Bundesliga Friday Review: Hannover Stunned By St. Pauli

Friday’s Bundesliga match featured high-flying Hannover 96 against St. Pauli at the AWD-Arena. Hannover’s recent form has catipulted them to 3rd place in the Bundesliga table, and they would have been looking to continue their hot form with a comfortable win in front of their home support against St. Pauli. Unfortunately, the hosts were left stunned by the visitors who came away with an excellent and unexpected 0-1 win.

Hannover manager Mirko Slomka will be disappointed with his side’s inability to create chances against a stern St. Pauli defense, despite Hannover’s domination over possession. Slomka’s side out-passed their opponents and controlled the match, but it was St. Pauli who were more effective when given time on the ball. An early goal from Marius Ebbers in the sixth minute was enough to decide the tie.

St. Pauli scored early and then sat back on their lead, with their only attacking ambitions coming on the counter-attack. Despite that, the side from Hamburg managed more shots on target than their hosts, but failed to net a second. Hannover were reduced to ten-men ten minutes from time, when Karim Haggui was sent off for a late challenge on Matthias Lehmann.

This is a huge three points for St. Pauli, who will be delighted about getting positive results on the road. While it is early days, Bundesliga safety is beginning to look more and more realistic for the kult club. Hannover travel to Bayern Munich next weekend, while St. Pauli host Nurnberg in what should be another three points for the promoted side.