St. Pauli, Hamburg's top team, wins over HSV with a two-point margin.

FC St. Pauli Secures Derby Victory over HSV in First Bundesliga Clash in Seven Years

In a highly anticipated city derby, FC St. Pauli emerged victorious against HSV, securing a 2-0 win in the first Bundesliga home game for HSV after seven years. The victory marked St. Pauli's first derby win since October 14, 2022, and ended a 14-year absence from the first Bundesliga Hamburg derby.

The match, played before a sold-out Volksparkstadion with 57,000 spectators, began with both teams showing their determination from the start. Minor scuffles were common as the players vied for dominance on the pitch.

FC St. Pauli took the lead in the 19th minute when Adam Dzwigala capitalised on a corner, scoring the first goal of the game. HSV goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes was called into action for the first time in the 50th minute, making a serious save after a Muheim free-kick.

The newly formed HSV team seemed to struggle compared to their more mature and well-rehearsed opponents. In an attempt to turn the tide, HSV made substitutions in the 56th minute, introducing Yussuf Poulsen and Jean-Luc Dompé to their attack.

However, St. Pauli continued to dominate the game, and in the 60th minute, Andreas Hountondji extended their lead with a goal from a tight angle, following a brilliant pass from Joel Fujita.

Despite having a numerical advantage after Giorgi Gotscholeischwili received a red card in the 77th minute, HSV were unable to capitalise on their chances and failed to score another goal. A potential equaliser by Ransdorf Königsdörffer (49th) was disallowed after a VAR review due to a very slight offside position of the shooter.

Referee Christian Dingert ruled a scuffle in the running duel between HSV defender Jordan Torunarigha and Hountondji as a foul against Hountondji, preventing him from scoring just before half-time.

Both coaches, Merlin Polzin of HSV and Alexander Blessin of FC St. Pauli, fielded the same starting lineups as in their opening games. St. Pauli midfielder Louis Oppie, and president Oke Göttlich, expressed their joy and pride over the victory.

The game was mainly played in midfield, with both teams showing signs of weakness in attack. Despite the setbacks, HSV will look to regroup and improve ahead of their next match, while FC St. Pauli will aim to build on their momentum. The derby atmosphere created by the passionate fans was undoubtedly a highlight of the match, adding to the excitement and intensity of the city rivalry.