FC St. Pauli suffered a severe setback in the fight for promotion to the Bundesliga.
Hamburg lost 1-0 (0-0) to promoted team Hansa Rostock on Saturday evening and gave up the lead to Darmstadt 98.
The Hessians defeated Holstein Kiel 3-1 in the afternoon. Werder Bremen could also overtake SV Sandhausen on Sunday (1:30 p.m. / Sky).
Nico Neidhart (59th) scored the decisive goal for Rostock, who after their fourth win in a row are almost certain to stay up in the league. The advantage over the relegation place is now nine points.
The people of Rostock were already celebrating in the third minute: Simon Rhein scored in the margin to make it supposedly 1-0. But referee Benjamin Brand looked again at John Verhoek’s duel beforehand and ruled a foul.
FC St. Pauli misses a few chances
Shortly before the break, St. Pauli keeper Nikola Vasilj prevented the Hansa lead with a brilliant save after a deflected shot by Neidhart (40′).
After a cross from Calogero Rizzuto, the Hamburg goalkeeper couldn’t get the ball and Neidhart pushed it over the line. At that point, Hansa were the more active side that deserved the lead.
The guests then increased their attacking efforts and came up with a few chances.