Leaders remain unbeaten: FC St. Pauli celebrates victory at Hansa Rostock

FC St. Pauli won the northern duel at Hansa Rostock on Saturday with 3:2 (3:1). This means that the Hamburg team remains unbeaten even after the 14th second division matchday and can look forward to the derby against HSV full of self-confidence.

Junior Brumado gave Hansa an early lead with a converted hand penalty (9th). But St. Pauli was not at all shocked and turned the game around within a few minutes with goals from Manolis Saliakas (15th), Marcel Hartel (19th) and Oladapo Afolayan (23rd). Brumado only managed to connect with his second penalty goal (80th). “That was a deserved victory,” emphasized Hartel.

The second division leaders increased their points account to 30 and once again proved their class. After a break of several minutes caused by the burning of pyrotechnics, Hansa got off to a perfect start.

Following a corner, St. Pauli was unable to clear the ball and Eric Smith ended up blocking a shot with his hand – a penalty was the right decision. Brumado converted safely.

Three goals within eight minutes

The early Rostock goal could have been a real blow for Hamburg in this explosive derby – but it certainly wasn’t: Coach Fabian Hürzeler has formed a real football machine that ran at full speed after going behind and played Hansa apart in the following minutes.

Saliakas equalized with a dream goal from 20 meters, and a little later Hartel took the lead in the second attempt from Saliakas’ cross. The Rostock team just kept chasing, barely got into duels and also conceded their third goal: Afolayan marked him with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area. “We let ourselves be slaughtered a little bit,” complained Hansa captain Markus Kolke.

St. Pauli then took it a little easier, but continued to dominate. Johannes Eggestein had a great chance to make it 4-1 in the 43rd minute, but was denied by keeper Kolke. Elias Saad also missed a good opportunity shortly after the break (48′). “We didn’t close it,” Hartel summarized aptly: “That’s the only thing we have to blame ourselves for.”

Second penalty creates tension again

A three-goal lead would actually not have been undeserved. The Hamburgers were clearly superior, Hansa almost didn’t come close to the opponent’s goal – and still made the connection: After a foul by Karol Mets on Juan Perea there was another penalty. And again Brumado didn’t miss the opportunity.

A game that had actually already been decided became even more exciting. Brumado almost became a Hansa hero, but he put a header from close range over the goal (87th).

Suddenly St. Pauli wobbled: Kevin Schumacher had a chance from the “he has to do” category. But he missed (90th). It remained a victory for FC St. Pauli, which was deserved, but ultimately a little lucky.