The women’s soccer team Eintracht Frankfurt has started the new Bundesliga season with a commanding victory.

Coach Niko Arnautis’ favored team defeated SGS Essen 5-0 (3-0) and put in a strong performance after a somewhat bumpy start. However, Friday evening’s match was not considered the official opening game—that will take place on Saturday (5:45 p.m.) at the Allianz Arena between champions Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. Fans at the Brentanobad stadium cheered goals from Nicole Anyomi (24th minute), Géraldine Reuteler (34th minute) and Amanda Ilestedt (45th minute). In the second half, Switzerland’s Reuteler (69th minute) and Remina Chiba (81st minute) added to the tally with a penalty. After an open start with good chances on both sides, Frankfurt took advantage of two turnovers by Essen. First, Reuteler played a strong pass to the front, where Anyomi shook off her opponent and rounded goalkeeper Kim Sindermann. Then a combination between Reuteler and Laura Freigang led to the second goal after Laura Pucks lost the ball in the build-up.

Swedish player Ilestedt, signed from Arsenal FC, scored with a header from a corner, and Reuteler was on hand again later. Frankfurt, who finished third behind Munich and VfL Wolfsburg last season, then slowed the pace a little but remained in control.