St.Pauli’s first-half goals enough to put Pokal champions Dortmund out
Amenyido's early goal coupled with Witsel's own-goal gave St.Pauli something to hold on to as they progress to the Pokal quarter-finals
Borussia Dortmund made the trip north to face 2.Bundesliga table-toppers FC St.Pauli in the atmospheric Millerntor-Stadion for their respective Round of 16 Pokal tie. Any fears were allayed before kick-off for the visitors regarding Thomas Meunier, as the Belgian was fit enough to make the starting line-up. Emre Can on the other hand was carrying a knock, and therefore not present for tonight’s game.
The game couldn’t have gotten off to a better start for the home side. Amenyido picked the ball up from Hartel’s precise pass, and although somewhat fortunate to grab the goal, credit must be given to the brilliant first touch which enabled him to prod his shot over Kobel’s shoulder.
Going a goal down early didn’t seem to shake visitors, Dortmund, too much. They proceeded to dominate the affair aftwerwards, carving out several opportunities which fell to the feet of Guerreiro, Hazard, and Haaland. Smarch was also called into action for St.Pauli on a handful of these occasions – the young German made several good saves to keep the score at 1-0.
Exactly 5 minutes before halftime and Dortmund’s first half experience went from bad to worse as they suddenly trailed 2-0. Axel Witsel quickly became the villain when he attempted to divert Burgstaller’s low cross out for a corner. The midfielder made a lunge for the ball but could only steer it past Kobel, who had no chance of reacting in time.
After Burgstaller brought the best out of Kobel early in the second half, Dortmund managed to snatch a lifeline in the form of a penalty. Hummels, in an advanced position, attempted to flick a ball to Haaland in the centre but it struck the outstretched arm of St.Pauli’s Medic. Osmers awarded the penalty with some VAR assistance, and Haaland sent Smarch the wrong way from the spot to make it 2-1.
Hazard’s replacement, Malen, almost brought Die Schwarzgelben level on 78 minutes. The substitute brought down a difficult high ball, and fired his shot just left of the upright. While Marco Rose’s side continued to boss possession, it seemed like a goal would inevitably come given the increased pressure. Nonetheless, St.Pauli withstood the three minutes of additional time to defeat the reigning Pokal champions, and progress to the next round on their home patch – Perfect timing ahead of their highly anticipated derby with Hamburger SV on Friday.