St. Pauli defeated Hamburg 2-0 in their first derby since 2011, securing the top spot in the Bundesliga. Goals from Adam Dzwigala and Andreas Hountondji led St. Pauli to victory, while Hamburg’s Giorgi Gocholeishvili received a red card, compounding their difficulties. St. Pauli dominated the match with more shots and a higher expected goals total. The victory spoiled Hamburg’s Bundesliga homecoming after a seven-year absence.
St. Pauli delivered a decisive blow in the Hamburg derby, securing a 2-0 victory and ascending to the top of the Bundesliga standings. This electrifying match marked the first derby between these two historic clubs in Germany's top flight since 2011, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already fierce rivalry.
Following a dramatic 3-3 draw against Borussia Dortmund on the opening day of the season, Alexander Blessin’s St. Pauli demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess to overcome Hamburg. The home side's challenge was compounded by a red card issued to Giorgi Gocholeishvili, further tilting the balance in favor of the visitors.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Adam Dzwigala found the back of the net, capitalizing on a well-executed short-corner routine. Dzwigala’s composed finish inside the penalty area set the tone for St. Pauli's dominance.
Hamburg struggled to mount a significant offensive response in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target. Despite their efforts, St. Pauli's organized defense and midfield control stifled any meaningful attacks.
The second half saw Hamburg emerge with renewed vigor, and they thought they had found an equalizer when Ransford Konigsdorffer scored. However, their celebrations were short-lived as the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
St. Pauli capitalized on this reprieve, extending their lead in the 60th minute through Andreas Hountondji. Hountondji displayed remarkable composure and skill, rounding Hamburg goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes before slotting the ball into the net from a difficult angle. This goal further demoralized the home side and solidified St. Pauli's grip on the match.
Adding to Hamburg’s woes, Giorgi Gocholeishvili received a red card 13 minutes from time for a second bookable offense. This left Hamburg with ten men and further diminished their hopes of a comeback. The loss leaves Hamburg in 11th place, with just one point from their first two matches, a disappointing start to their Bundesliga campaign.
The match statistics underscored St. Pauli's dominance. They outshot Hamburg 17 to 5 and generated an expected goals (xG) total of 1.43 compared to Hamburg’s 0.48.
This match marked Hamburg’s return to the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence, since their relegation in 2018. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating their team's performance in the top flight. However, St. Pauli spoiled the homecoming, delivering a performance that highlighted their ambition and potential for the season.
Andreas Hountondji continued his impressive form, scoring his second goal in as many league games, having also found the net against Dortmund the previous week. He also recorded the joint-most touches in the opposition box, further emphasizing his impact on the game.
St. Pauli's victory was not just a win, but a statement of intent. Under the guidance of Alexander Blessin, they have demonstrated a blend of tactical flexibility, defensive solidity, and attacking flair. As they sit atop the Bundesliga standings, St. Pauli have emerged as a team to watch, capable of challenging the established order and making a significant impact on the season.