Nikola Vasilj heroics help St. Pauli to rare away victory against Hoffenheim
Mathias Pereira Lage's header proved decisive as a string of Nikola Vasilj saves took St. Pauli to a big win in their survival bid at Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim 0-1 St. PauliGoals: 0-1 Pereira Lage 45'+4 (assist: Saliakas)
The contrast in home and away form couldn't have been starker heading into this clash at the PreZero Arena. Hoffenheim had just established a new club record with eight consecutive home victories, while St. Pauli arrived having collected just two points from their past 11 away fixtures.
Vasilj denies Hoffenheim before Pereira Lage strikes
Both sides made attacking starts with Fisnik Asllani forcing Vasilj into an early save after good work from Vladimir Coufal. St. Pauli responded through Danel Sinani, whose long-range effort required a full-stretch save from Oliver Baumann.
The hosts should have taken the lead in the eighth minute when Kramarić found himself through on goal, but Vasilj made an exceptional double save to deny both the Croatian and Grischa Prömel's follow-up.
The St. Pauli goalkeeper continued his heroics, thwarting Robin Hranáč from close range following a corner. Despite Hoffenheim's dominance, the visitors struck with virtually the last kick of the half. A pinpoint cross from Manolis Saliakas found Pereira Lage at the far post, who headed home emphatically to give St. Pauli a shock lead.
Hoffenheim frustrated by resolute St. Pauli defence
Hoffenheim pushed for an equaliser after the break. The hosts dominated possession but struggled to break down St. Pauli's compact defence. Ozan Kabak came agonisingly close to levelling in the 81st minute when his powerful header from Coufal's free-kick struck the crossbar with Vasilj beaten.
Further chances fell to Tim Lemperle, who had replaced Kramarić, and Asllani, but Vasilj continued his inspired form with several crucial interventions.
St. Pauli's defensive resilience grew as the match progressed, with the visitors throwing everything at preserving their slender advantage. Four minutes of added time saw one final Hoffenheim push, but Asllani's header was expertly saved by Vasilj as St. Pauli secured a precious three points.
Man of the Match: Nikola Vasilj
The St. Pauli goalkeeper produced a performance for the ages to secure his side's second away win of the season. Vasilj made five crucial saves throughout the match, including spectacular stops to deny Kramarić, Prömel, and Asllani in the dying moments.
Statistics showed Vasilj made two 'extra saves' – stops that statistically would have resulted in goals – highlighting how he outperformed expectations against a Hoffenheim side that generated an xG of 2.19.
On a day when St. Pauli were outshot 17-11 and had just 39% possession, Vasilj's heroics proved decisive in securing a victory that could prove invaluable in their fight against relegation.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 2.19 - St. Pauli 0.98
Fastest player: Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), 33.33 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Mathias Pereira Lage (Pauli), 38 percent
Most pressed player: Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Danel Sinani (Pauli), 3.67
Fantasy Heroes: Nikola Vasilj (Pauli, 384 Points), Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim, 349 Points), Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim, 279 Points)
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