Coach Les Kiss praised the Reds' "mental toughness" after they secured a rousing 15-year first against defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders.
Their clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening was 19-19 heading into the final 10 minutes before the Reds roared home 31-26 thanks to tries from Wallabies wing Filipo Daugunu and Louis Werchon.
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It bagged their first win over the Crusaders in Brisbane since the 2011 Super Rugby final and members of that championship team were watching at the ground for their 15-year reunion.
After back-to-back Super Rugby losses, it was a huge response from the Reds.
"I think there is a mental toughness you see in this Reds team," said incoming Australia coach Kiss as his team leapfrogged the Crusaders into fifth place in the table.
"Fraser (McReight) and the boys were super honest and pragmatic this week to be better after two losses and there was a worthy mindset to make amends.
"It wasn't always neat and tidy but sometimes you've just got to find a way and fight hard for things, and we did."
The Reds came into the round nine showdown having conceded 94 points in their previous two games, against Western Force and the Hurricanes.
In contrast, the Crusaders were in red-hot form and seeking to score 50 or more points for the third consecutive match.
"I thought we bounced back this week really, really well," said Reds skipper McReight.
"We have a strong belief in this team that we can go deep in this comp but Super Rugby is tough, physically and mentally, and everyone can beat everyone.
"You are always searching for improvements."
The Reds have a bye next week while the Crusaders travel to Perth to play Western Force.