Despite pre-match predictions favoring Borussia Dortmund to easily defeat St. Pauli at home, the match in Dortmund turned out to be far more challenging for the hosts. One explanation for this could be Borussia's inability to field five key players due to injury.

The home side dominated possession throughout the game, but St. Pauli's tight defense rarely faltered, resulting in few clear-cut chances for Borussia. The deadlock was broken just before halftime when Rami Bensebaini headed in a cross from Julian Groß.

It seemed as though the match might open up after the goal, but St. Pauli stuck to their defensive strategy. In fact, they managed to equalize in the 78th minute with a stunning long-range strike from Eric Smith, who unleashed a shot from 30 meters out.

However, the Bundesliga underdogs couldn't hold on for a point in Dortmund. Borussia's forward Serhou Guirassy once again proved decisive, scoring the winning goal in the 83rd minute to secure a 2-1 victory for the hosts.

2024-25, Germany - Bundesliga

Borussia D - St. Pauli 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Bensebaini, 43 (1:0); Smith E., 78 (1:1); Guirassy, 83 (2:1)

Borussia D: Kobel; Anton; Schlotterbeck N.; Bensebaini; Ryerson; Can E. (Nmecha F., 69); Brandt (Wätjen, 90); Groß (Bynoe-Gittens, 46); Sabitzer; Guirassy; Malen (Beier M., 76)
Bench: Meyer A.; Мане Ф.; Kabar; Luhrs; Campbell C.
Yellow Cards: Bynoe-Gittens 75; Brandt 77

St. Pauli: Vasilj N.; Saliakas (Dźwigała, 82); Mets; Wahl; Treu; Smith E.; Irvine J.; Wagner R.; Eggestein J. (Albers, 88); Afoloyan (Sinani, 88); Guilavogui M. (Banks, 69)
Bench: Nemeth D.; Ritzka; Boukhalfa
Yellow Cards: Smith E. 40