Jupp Heynckes wanted Bayern Munich to deliver "a real statement of intent" against Borussia Dortmund and got his wish as the champions-in-waiting demolished their rivals 6-0 in Der Klassiker.
Second-placed Schalke's win earlier in the day prevented Bayern from having the chance to wrap up a sixth-straight Bundesliga title this weekend, but on this evidence the German domestic championship may not be the only trophy they win this term.
Ahead of the Champions League quarterfinals next week, Bayern were simply brilliant as they scored five first-half goals, with Robert Lewandowski then completing his hat trick during a second period where Heynckes' men had eased off.
James Rodriguez, Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery all grabbed goals before the interval to leave Heynckes delighted.
"I have to say that it's always very difficult coming back after an international break; a lot of our players were away, but we managed well," he said in quotes published on the Bundesliga's website.
"The team was very focused and we needed to send out a statement of intent today. We put on a real gala performance in the first 45 minutes."
Bayern defender Mats Hummels sympathised with his former club as he was rarely tested at the back.
"There were a lot of ex-colleagues on the pitch today, so of course you feel a bit too," Hummels said. "I have also lost here [with Dortmund]. I know how much it hurts. But next time it can look quite different again.
"In the second half we played it loose, because Dortmund were limited to trying to limit the score. That was understandable from both sides."