Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger was recorded mocking his club's arch nemesis FC Barcelona after it lost to Leganes on Sunday, in a clip shared by El Chiringuito on social media network X.
Rayo Vallecano did Barca a favour just 24 hours previously by holding title race rival Madrid to a 3-3 draw on Saturday night in Vallecas.
That meant that Carlo Ancelotti's men threw away a chance to go one point clear, and the Blaugrana then then had the chance to go four clear themselves over the defending champions, and three ahead of Atletico Madrid, by seeing off relegation-threatened opposition in Montjuic.
As it turned out, however, Barca couldn't react to an early goal from Sergio Poirrier and therefore suffered a second straight home defeat which followed on from a 2-1 slip up to Las Palmas a fortnight ago.
Speaking post-match, Blaugrana midfielder Pedri lamented the limp display in a "f*cked up game", and demanded more from himself and his teammates.
"It is impossible to leave happy today. I think we started a little asleep, they scored that goal against us. And then we woke up, we created chances, but we lacked spark," the playmaker said to TV3.
"We have to get into the games better. When a team like that scores quickly, they put a lot of people behind [the ball]. And we lacked the spark I said and clarity in front of goal. We're on a bad run and we have to improve."
At least Rudiger was happy, though, with an influencer recording him looking at his mobile phone during a Red Bull event.
"He's laughing at me," says a man with the German stalwart as Rudiger turns his phone around to show the scoreline between Barca and Leganes.
And Rudiger is indeed in fits of laughter, which is normal for the center back who often jokes and plays around even in the most important of matches.
While his focus will turn to the Intercontinental Cup with his team, January 3 could provide Madrid with the chance to finally go top if it wins a game in hand over Valencia previously postponed because of tragic flooding.