Hamburg - A deadly dozen for the biggest aggregate victory in Champions League history has brought the smile back on Bayern Munich's face.

Munich may be inconsistent in German action, but have impressed in Europe. Their form reached new heights on Tuesday night when they demolished hapless Sporting Lisbon 7-1, which, coupled with a 5-0 win in Portugal, resulted in a staggering 12-1 from both games.

"We sent clear signals that we are a force to be reckoned with. We are among the top eight in Europe, are hungry and want more!" said coach Juergen Klinsmann.

The big win was duly noted abroad on Wednesday.

British daily The Guardian was impressed by Munich's "deadly dozen" while Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport humorously said that Bayern were overdoing it with a seven goal show.

The game showed that Lukas Podolski can score after all and defender Philipp Lahm named it "important" that Munich were able to win big despite the injury-related absence of star players Franck Ribery and Luca Toni.

There was euphoria among the players, the recently beleaguered Klinsmann and club officials, but at the same time Munich are trying to keep their feet on the ground.

Lowly VfL Bochum loom next in the Bundesliga where the defending champions Munich rank only fourth. The German cup title defence is over after a 4-2 defeat last week at Bayer Leverkusen.

"You can dream for a day but not any longer because Bochum wait on Saturday," said captain Mark van Bommel.

Another league title would be nice, but what Munich are really after is another European glory day they enjoyed last with the 2001 Champions League title.

Opponents such as Liverpool and Chelsea are also in the final eight, and other heavyweights due to qualify later Wednesday, but Munich are convinced that they have at least made a strong statement.

"No one trembles before an opponent in the Champions League, but these results likely led to respect," said Munich general manager Uli Hoeness.

The two-goal hero Podolski expressed his hope that Munich have finally started a streak with a 5-1 league win against Hanover on Saturday and Tuesday's show against Sporting.

"It is important that we claim first place in the end in the (German) championship - and everything is possible in the Champions League," said Podolski. (dpa)