In this scene, Carlo Boukhalfa (far right) scored the 1-1 equalizer. © APA/afp / FRANK MOLTER

St. Pauli stumbles Bayer Leverkusen

The 30th matchday of the Bundesliga concluded with three matches on Easter Sunday, with Bayer Leverkusen dropping important points in the battle for the championship.

20 April 2025

From: dpa/mv

Bayer Leverkusen has fallen further behind in the Bundesliga championship race. Following the 1-1 (1-0) draw at FC St. Pauli at the end of Matchday 30, the defending champions' deficit to league leaders FC Bayern Munich has increased to eight points.

FC St. Pauli started surprisingly aggressively without their injured captain Jackson Irvine, repeatedly forcing Leverkusen into their own half during the first 20 minutes. Bayer seemed a bit surprised and needed some time to find their footing. Clear chances for the Kiezkickers were few and far between, however. A header from Manolis Saliakas (7') and a shot from Boukhalfa (16') were the most promising opportunities.

Bayer improves and is efficient

As the game progressed, the visitors' quality became apparent. Jeremie Frimpong fired the first warning shot (14'). The St. Pauli defense was increasingly challenged. Many offensive moves came from international Florian Wirtz, who was starting for the first time in six weeks after his medial ligament injury. He didn't quite manage to score.

Patrik Schick gave the Werkself the lead. © ANSA / FABIAN BIMMER

A set piece gave the visitors the lead. Following a free kick from Alejandro Grimaldo, Schick was in the right place and headed the ball home. The Werkself then pushed for a second goal. Hamburg held firm, but were rarely able to combine forward.

FC St. Pauli continues to be courageous

Despite the deficit, FC St. Pauli remained undaunted, playing, fighting, and pushing for an equalizer. Bayer seemed to be merely managing their lead. Noah Weißhaupt's substitution just after the hour gave the hosts even more momentum. He immediately won a free kick for Eric Smith (61'), which Bayer goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky just managed to clear for a corner.

Disappointment for Florian Wirtz (left) and Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso. © APA/afp / FRANK MOLTER

Weißhaupt also provided the cross for Morgan Guilavogui's goal (74'). However, the equalizer was ruled out for handball by the St. Pauli striker. Four minutes later, the Hamburg fans had real cause to celebrate when Boukhalfa scored from close range. Bayer woke up again. Grimaldo tested St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, who reacted strongly. But FC St. Pauli fought to avoid defeat. The players threw themselves into every ball – and were rewarded.

BVB wins Borussia duel

Borussia Dortmund beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-2 at home earlier that afternoon. Although the visitors had taken the lead, BVB turned the 0-1 deficit into a 3-1 victory after scoring three goals in nine minutes. A penalty after the break from Kevin Stöger to level the score at 2-3 was not enough for Mönchengladbach.

Dortmund players celebrate after their victory in the Borussia match. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

FC Augsburg, on the other hand, stopped third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt in a 0-0 draw. Both teams hit the woodwork, and Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen also distinguished himself several times.

Bundesliga, 30th matchday

Augsburg – Eintracht Frankfurt 0:0

Borussia Dortmund – Borussia Mönchengladbach 3:2
Goals: 0:1 Itakura (24th), 1:1 Guirassy (41st), 2:1 Nmecha (44th), 3:1 Svensson (45th+5th), 3:2 Stöger (56th/penalty)

1. FC St. Pauli – Bayer Leverkusen 1:1
Goals: 0:1 Schick (32nd), 1:1 Boukhalfa (78th)

The table