Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 St Pauli: Die Werkself hold off visitors' fightback to claim fifth consecutive win
A commanding performance in the first half enabled Bayer Leverkusen to secure a 2-1 victory over St Pauli, thereby extending their unbeaten streak against newly promoted Bundesliga teams to 14 matches.
The scoring commenced just six minutes into the match when Florian Wirtz skillfully nutmegged Eric Smith and fired a shot past Nikola Vasilj, marking his 30th goal in the Bundesliga.
Following their early lead, Leverkusen appeared largely in control, although a moment of concern arose when Jonathan Tah's attempted pass struck Morgan Guilavogui, causing the ball to loop into the waiting hands of Lukáš Hrádecký.
Having avoided a potential setback, Tah made a significant contribution at the other end by losing Jackson Irvine and expertly heading in a goal from Aleix García’s corner.
While Dapo Afolayan attempted a long-range shot that was comfortably saved by Hrádecký, Leverkusen maintained their fluid passing and nearly created a scoring opportunity at the conclusion of a well-executed play, thwarted only by an unfortunate slip from Arthur.
Nathan Tella believed he had netted a third goal for Leverkusen after rounding Vasilj and sliding the ball into an open net, only to be flagged offside by a narrow margin. Shortly thereafter, Afolayan instigated a moment of concern as he outpaced Edmond Tapsoba, but his low cross was cleared.
Supported by enthusiastic away fans, Die Kiezkicker continued to press after the interval, with Philipp Treu forcing Hrádecký into action with a cross that Guilavogui failed to convert at the back post.
Further disbelief ensued when Afolayan's low cross was diverted wide by Guilavogui, prompting Xabi Alonso to bring on Jeremie Frimpong in the 60th minute.
The Dutchman received the ball in a threatening position and set up Wirtz for a shot that was surprisingly misfired wide, while Irvine made a crucial tackle to prevent Tella from capitalizing on an opportunity.
After another goal from Tella was disallowed, St Pauli finally found the net in the 84th minute when Guilavogui skillfully maneuvered past Arthur and struck the ball past Hrádecký.
This created a sense of anxiety among the home supporters; however, Andreas Albers directed his header into the side netting, as Die Werkself secured their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions and achieved their third straight Bundesliga win for the first time this season.
Conversely, St Pauli has now suffered three defeats in their last four league matches, despite having triumphed over Holstein Kiel in their previous encounter.
SportsLigue