Hamburg 2-1 St. Pauli
Goals: 0-1 Burgstaller 31' (assist: Amenyido), 1-1 Schonlau 58' (assist: Kittel), 2-1 Jatta 70' (assist: Kittel)

Determined to better a Bundesliga 2 record against their rivals that had previously seen them win just once in seven second-tier games against Pauli, HSV started with immense intent at the Volksparkstadion. Faride Alidou should have done better with Ludovit Reis's inviting cut-back, the former thumping over when wonderfully placed, while Moritz Heyer spurned two chances in quick succession as the Red Shorts penned their beleaguered opponents back. Determined to make up ground on the league leaders, Hamburg continued their onslaught. Miro Muheim's deflected effort just missed Nikola Vasilj's crossbar while, not long afterwards, Jatta nodded a Sonny Kittel set-piece narrowly wide. Winless in their previous three league outings, Bundesliga 2 leaders Pauli sensed they had weathered the home storm and went in search of a lead. Die Kiezkicker had it just after the half-hour mark, Guido Burgstaller heading in Etienne Amenyido's knock back across goal to end his four-game drought.

Insisting his side were not the type of team to, "... sit back and wait and hope something comes our way," St. Pauli coach Timo Schultz sent his players out in the second half looking to add to their lead. Buoyed by his opener, Burgstaller almost outfoxed 'keeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes from a tight angle. Visibly stung by this state of affairs, Die Rothosen soon responded and were level through Schonlau's header from Kittel's corner. It was to get even better for the hosts 20 minutes from time. Out of his area to start a swift attacking move, Heuer Fernandes's initiative eventually led to Jatta bearing down on goal before the powerful midfielder blasted an unstoppable effort past Vasilj from a narrowing angle. The end-to-end action continued apace and when it seemed the Braun-Weißen would level things up, Heuer Fernandes pulled off crucial saves to deny Burgstaller and Dittgen as Hamburg held on to avenge their Matchday 3 reverse against their city rivals and reduce the gap between the teams to three points.

Match stats

Sonny Kittel now has a Bundesliga 2-leading 10 assists this season.
All three of Jatta's goals this season have been set up by Kittel.
Burgstaller has once again taken the sole lead of the second division scoring charts with 15 goals.
HSV have come from behind to earn points on five occasions this term.
The Red Shorts have scored with eight headers this season, matching their rivals Pauli.
Burgstaller is the first St. Pauli player to score 15 goals after 20 second division matchdays.

HSV Hamburg Hamburger SV - STP St. Pauli FC St. Pauli

Matchday 20 round-up: Hamburg beat St. Pauli to claim derby spoils