Eintracht return with a bang against Bordeaux

Eintracht Frankfurt marked their return to European competition in style as two early goals set them on course for a 3-0 UEFA Europa League win against FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

It was as if they had never been away as Václav Kadlec and Marco Russ opened up a 2-0 lead inside 16 minutes before their appreciative home crowd. Constant Djakpa's free-kick shortly after the break effectively sealed the Group F spoils, and things went from bad to worse for Bordeaux when Lucas Orban was sent off after the hour.

Eintracht fans have been waiting for this day since their last foray into Europe, in the UEFA Cup, ended with group stage elimination in 2006. Before kick-off they raised the curtains with a giant choreographed display and vociferous support that became an even mightier roar four minutes in when a hopeful punt into the penalty area bounced of Stefan Aigner's back and into the feet of Kadlec, who slotted in from close range.

Kadlec could have made it two after some fine work by Takashi Inui but aimed just wide – not a mistake Russ made two minutes later when Tranquillo Barnetta's low centre found his foot for a first-time finish following a short corner. Bordeaux responded well, though, threatening to reduce the arrears. Jussiê was denied by Djakpa's goal-line clearance and André Poko headed just wide with Kevin Trapp beaten.

Eintracht were not done either, and only a poor touch denied Inui what looked a certain third before half-time. A beautiful left-footed Djakpa free-kick from a central position shortly after the restart did make it 3-0, and the gloom hanging over Bordeaux grew darker when Orban saw red.