Pauli record crucial win in Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart 0-1 St. Pauli
Goals: 0-1 Eggestein 21’

The match began with both teams showing attacking intent. Stuttgart's Chris Führich and Nick Woltemade caused problems for the St. Pauli defence, while the visitors threatened on the counter. In the ninth minute, Eggestein came close for Pauli, his shot grazing the post. Stuttgart responded with Woltemade forcing a save from Nikola Vasilj in the 18th minute. However, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock soon after when Eggestein capitalised on a defensive error, making a clever turn in the box before firing past Alexander Nübel.

Following the goal, Stuttgart intensified their efforts. Woltemade had another chance in the 37th minute, but Vasilj was equal to it. The hosts continued to dominate possession, with Enzo Millot pulling the strings in midfield. However, Pauli's defence, led by Hauke Wahl, remained resolute, frustrating Stuttgart's attacks.

Penalty save

The second half began with Stuttgart on the front foot, but it was Pauli who had a golden opportunity to double their lead. In the 53rd minute, they were awarded a penalty after a foul by Anrie Chase. However, Nübel saved easily from a poor Eggestein spot-kick, keeping Stuttgart's hopes alive. This moment seemed to galvanise the home side, who continued to press forward relentlessly. Millot came close in the 69th minute, but Vasilj was once again up to the task.

The second half began with Stuttgart on the front foot, but it was St. Pauli who had a golden opportunity to double their lead. In the 53rd minute, they were awarded a penalty after a foul by Anrie Chase. However, Nübel saved easily from a poor Eggestein spot-kick, keeping Stuttgart's hopes alive. This moment seemed to galvanise the home side, who continued to press forward relentlessly. Millot came close in the 69th minute, but Vasilj was once again up to the task.

Despite Stuttgart's dominance in terms of possession (67 to 33 percent) and shots on goal (23 to 11), Pauli's defensive organisation was impeccable. Vasilj was expert in goal, making five crucial saves to preserve his team's lead. The visitors' resilience was epitomised by their captain, Jackson Irvine, who led by example in midfield. Stuttgart's frustration grew as the match progressed, with Woltemade and Millot seeing their efforts repeatedly thwarted.

Late drama seals St. Pauli's victory

As the clock ticked down, the match became increasingly tense. Stuttgart threw everything forward, leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks. In the 80th minute, Oladapo Afolayan nearly sealed the win for Pauli, but his effort struck the post. Despite a flurry of late chances for Stuttgart, including attempts from Fabian Rieder and Pascal Stenzel in injury time, Die Kiezkicker held on for their fourth win of the campaign.

While Eggestein's goal proved decisive, it was Vasilj who truly stood out with a great performance between the Pauli posts. The Bosnian goalkeeper made five crucial saves, including several from point-blank range, to deny Stuttgart time and again. His commanding presence and excellent positioning were instrumental in preserving Pauli's clean sheet and securing the unexpected victory. Vasilj's heroics in the face of Stuttgart's relentless attack were the cornerstone of a resilient defensive display.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: VfB Stuttgart 2.91 - St. Pauli 2.4
Fastest player: Lars Ritzka (Pauli), 34.24 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Johannes Eggestein (Pauli), 37 percent
Most pressed player: Chris Führich (Stuttgart), 39 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Chris Führich (Stuttgart), +4.51

Fantasy Heroes: Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart, 303 Points), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart, 276 Points), Enzo Millot (Stuttgart, 269 Points)