Match Overview and Key Moments
On September 27, 2025, Bayer Leverkusen travelled to the Millerntor-Stadion and fought back from a 1-1 deadlock to claim a 2-1 victory over FC St. Pauli. The win stretched their Bundesliga away unbeaten run to an impressive 36 matches, a statistic that has become a hallmark of the club’s recent dominance on foreign soil.
The first goal arrived in the 25th minute when Burkinabé centre‑back Edmond Tapsoba pounced on a sloppy clearance after a textbook free‑kick from Spanish left‑back Alejandro Grimaldo. Grimaldo’s delivery curled over the wall, the ball pinged off a defender and fell at Tapsoba’s feet, who smashed it home from close range.
St. Pauli’s response was swift. Seven minutes later, right‑back Hauke Wahl capitalised on a loose ball inside the box, slotting it past Leverkusen keeper Simon Méril. The equaliser reignited the home crowd and forced the visitors to dig deeper.
The decisive blow came in the 58th minute. Grimaldo, who had already influenced the scoreline, delivered a perfectly timed cross from the left flank. The ball found 21‑year‑old Dutch forward Ernest Poku making a run behind the defense. Poku’s first‑time strike flew past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, restoring Leverkusen’s lead.
After the second goal, St. Pauli pressed for another answer, creating a handful of half‑chances, but Leverkusen’s backline, marshalled by veteran defender Carlos Tavares, held firm and preserved the three points.
Why the Win Matters
Leverkusen entered the match under a cloud of criticism. New head coach Kasper Hjulmand, appointed in the summer, had overseen a patchy start to the campaign, with the team dropping points at home and looking uncertain in attack. The away win not only adds to the club’s record run but also provides a psychological lift that could steady the ship ahead of their Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven.
Grimaldo’s performance was the standout. Providing both assists, his set‑piece mastery and vision in open play highlighted why he’s become a crucial cog in Hjulmand’s system. His left‑foot delivery forced St. Pauli’s defence to stay on high alert and opened the space for the forwards to exploit.
Poku’s emergence adds another layer to Leverkusen’s attacking options. The youngster’s composure at 21 suggests he could become a regular starter, especially given the squad’s need for fresh legs after a congested start to the season.
On the league table, the victory lifted Leverkusen to fourth place with eight points, still seven behind Bayern Munich, who sit comfortably at the summit. The gap underscores the challenge ahead, but the away points keep the club within striking distance of the title race.
For St. Pauli, the loss is a setback in their adaptation to top‑flight football. Their early‑season push shows promise, yet defensive frailties exposed by Leverkusen’s set pieces will need addressing if they hope to climb out of the bottom half.
Looking forward, Leverkusen will shift focus to Europe. The Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday promises a test of the squad’s depth and tactical flexibility. Maintaining the unbeaten away streak while juggling domestic and continental duties will be the next big storyline for Hjulmand and his players.