Serhou Guirassy helped Dortmund beat St. Pauli 2-1.
IMAGO/Uwe Kraft

The objective at Borussia Dortmund was clear after the 1:2 at Union Berlin: a win against the newly promoted team from Hamburg – despite personnel shortages. Because of this, Nuri Sahin changed his team in three positions and ordered Bensebaini, Sabitzer and Malen into the starting line-up instead of Yan Couto, Gittens and Beier.

Bensebaini saves and scores – VAR annoys St. Pauli

The inclusion of Bensebaini in particular paid off in a dominant first half for the Black and Yellows. Because after Guirassy missed the party’s first good opportunity (6th), the left-back not only saved in dire need against Afolayan (16th). Shortly before the half-time whistle, he gave the favorites the lead with a header (43′), before Brandt missed the great chance to score a double (45’+1).

The interim result at this point was certainly not undeserved due to the proportion of the game, but it was still a somewhat unfortunate situation for Alexander Blessin’s St. Pauli. After all, the Hamburgers had already celebrated themselves after half an hour – but were thwarted by the VAR. Guilavogui, who started in place of the injured Saad in the 3-0 loss against Mainz, started a touch too early. The Kiezkickers therefore had to chase a deficit at the half.

The second round in Dortmund began with a short delay. The technology had tricked referee Matthias Jöllenbeck, who then immediately followed a small interruption seconds after the restart due to pyrotechnics in the visitors’ block. But then it continues as in the first 45 minutes. Dortmund controlled, dominated and waited patiently for the chance to make a preliminary decision, which Guirassy and Malen missed twice in the 64th minute.

Guirassy answered Smith’s dream goal

The Hanseatic League defended no less patiently in the game and waited for their moment – which would come in the form of an absolute dream goal. Smith’s irresistible outside-foot volley opened a fast-paced final quarter of an hour worth seeing (78th) and should last this time despite a possible offside position by Afolayan. But the joy in Hamburg didn’t last long. Just five turns later, Guirassy took the lead from Gittens’ cross to take the lead again (83′), before Brandt missed the chance to quickly follow up for the second time that evening (87′).

A narrow lead remained until injury time, which St. Pauli quickly equalized for a second time. Substitute Dzwigala, who had been picked off by Gittens before the 1:2, placed a dropkick from six meters centrally in front of the box, but over Kobel’s goal (90th + 1). It was therefore a narrow but not undeserved 2-1 victory for Dortmund, who also won their fourth home game of the current season.

The dress rehearsal for a really big Dortmund performance was also a success. On Tuesday (8:30 p.m.) BVB will play in the Champions League against Real Madrid. In the league, the guest game in Augsburg awaits on Saturday (3:30 p.m.). At the same time, St. Pauli receives visitors from Wolfsburg.