The boys in brown and white had no chance against BVB from Dortmund on matchday 24. Before the game, I expected nothing else. After the game, I was surprised at how effectively BVB brought the game home.
In the first half, FC St. Pauli was able to keep the game fairly open. Although they spent most of the time in their own half playing defensively, they were still able to create a few good chances. The best one fell to Hauke Wahl, who, after an agreed free kick trick, only had to push the ball into the corner in front of him, but his aim was too precise.
In the second half, Dortmund were the dominant team that I expected. The change from a back four to a back three gave them the offensive power they needed to break through FC St. Pauli's defense.
Serhou Guirassy's class helped once again. He was lucky with his goal, but also had the technique and vision to put the ball in the net. For the second goal, Karim Adeyemi calmly and deliberately beat Treu and Smith after a sensational clearance just before the goal line in St. Pauli's half. That's how you switch play and assertiveness work.
The game was decided in the 58th minute. After that, St. Pauli were allowed to play a little longer, but only shortly before the end did Sinani get a shot on goal, which Kobel parried brilliantly.
The positive thing is that the team didn't let themselves get down. But the disappointment of not having any points after the second half after a good first half was clearly noticeable.
Two thirds of the season are over and St. Pauli are still just above the relegation zone. Before the season, everyone should have known that it would be close until the end. Opponents like Dortmund are not the benchmark. They are playing in the Club World Cup during the summer break. Our first appearance in the Champions League will still be a few years away - if things go well.
Next week, things might go better in the league away against Wolfsburg. After that comes Hoffenheim. The brown and white team have a better chance there. This is an important game - for the table, but also for the mindset, so that we can get through the international break with less stress.
