Hertha Berlin coach Friedhelm Funkel is hoping his side's unexpected success in Europe can now spark a Bundesliga revival.

A 1-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon last night earned Hertha second spot in Group D and a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

While they have only picked up six points in the Bundesliga so far this season, their tally of 10 points in six European fixtures has given Funkel hope his side can also turn their domestic campaign around.

"After three games, Hertha had just one point and nobody expected us to reach the knockout stages," he said.

"Everybody had written us off, but we won three games to make it off our own back.

"We have been close to wins in the league too and we will show this in the second half of the season."

Hertha have not won in the Bundesliga since the opening day of the season and have a mountain to climb if they are to avoid relegation.

Their final opponents of the year are Bayern Munich, but Funkel is not unduly worried.

"We held our own for a long time against Schalke and we also want to achieve something in Munich," he said.

But before then, Funkel is determined to savour their European success.

"I think that we should be allowed to enjoy this," he said. "And now we are looking forward to Friday's draw."