Southampton marked their return to European competition with an impressive showing in their 3-0 win over Vitesse Arnhem on Thursday.

Ronald Koeman's Saints cruised to victory in the first leg of the third round of Europa League qualifying at St Mary's Stadium in their first continental outing since 2003.

Graziano Pelle opened the scoring for the south coast club, rifling home a Sadio Mane header in the 36th minute, before Dusan Tadic added a second on the stroke of half-time when converting from the penalty spot.

Shane Long completed the win when easily heading home a lovely cut-back from new signing Juanmi in the 84th minute to set up their trip to Vitesse next week which is likely to see them move into the playoff round for Europe's second tier club competition.

2015/16 Europa League qualifying third round - first leg

Southampton (ENG): 3 (Graziano Pelle 36', Dusan Tadic (p) 45+1', Shane Long 84')

Vitesse Arnhem (NED): 0

St Mary's Stadium, Southampton