Wiltord hattrick as Lyon hit seven
 |  Essien and Wiltord enjoy the night as Lyon rout their German rivals |
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PARIS, France (Reuters) -- Striker Sylvain Wiltord hit a hat-trick as he spearheaded Olympique Lyon to a 7-2 rout of Werder Bremen and a Champions League quarterfinal place.
Wiltord's treble, a double by Mickael Essien and goals from Florent Malouda and Jeremy Berthod gave an exciting Lyon side a comfortable Tuesday night at the Stade Gerland.
The French champions, 3-0 first leg winners at the Weiser stadium, put the tie beyond doubt by scoring three goals in the first half-hour of Tuesday's return.
Wiltord, just as he had in the first leg, opened the scoring with a 15-meter cross shot after eight minutes before Lyon's outstanding midfielder Essien found the net twice.
Having nothing to lose, the German champions tried to save their pride and managed to pull a goal back thanks to French playmaker Johan Micoud in the 32nd minute.
But with Lyon all but through to the last eight both sides decided to play attacking football throughout the second half.
Wiltord, closely watched by France coach Raymond Domenech in the stands, was on top form in front of goal as he scored two more while international midfielder Florent Malouda netted Lyon's sixth on the hour with a fine low strike.
Young defender Jeremy Berthod completed the demolition from the penalty spot in the 80th minute after substitute striker Nilmar was fouled inside the box before defender Valerien Ismael pulled one back for the hapless visitors.
"We really enjoyed the match tonight and it was great fun," said a smiling Malouda. "It showed what Lyon are now capable of doing in this Champions League."
The victory confirmed that the skilful French champions, not considered among the favorites when this season's Champions League started, should not be taken lightly anymore.
"We were in the quarters last year too and we hope that now we can go a little bit further. Even if tonight's result won't mean anything in the next round," Malouda said.
"We have eliminated a very good side and I'm very proud of my guys," said Lyon coach Paul Le Guen. "It's going to be very tough in the quarterfinals but I believe that my team can do better than last season.
"We were in the last eight and we won the (French) title (in 2004). We are in the last eight again and we are chasing another title. I only hope that we will be capable to do better."
Olympique Lyon are now the top scorers in this season's Champions League with 27 goals in eight matches.
"The players are getting along well and you can see it when they are on the pitch. We have learned a lot over the last few seasons," said Malouda.
The result was also sweet revenge for the French side, who was eliminated by Bremen in the UEFA Cup second round in 1999 when Lyon won the first leg 3-0 but lost 4-0 in the return.
