- St. Pauli's comeback falls short: They suffer defeat against Heidenheim
1. FC Heidenheim snatches victory from 13-year-awaited FC St. Pauli in Bundesliga opener. Last season's shock team in Germany's top league managed a fortunate 2:0 (0:0) victory at Hamburg's Millerntor Stadium, concluding the first matchday. The newly promoted side was the more dominant and superior force for most of the game yet failed to convert their chances. Substitute Paul Wanner (66.) turned the game around with a goal for the away team. Jan Schöppner (82.) sealed the victory with a header from a corner in the game's late stages.
Approximately 29,157 spectators watched an intense game from the get-go, despite a scarcity of scoring opportunities in the early stages. FC Heidenheim's head coach Frank Schmidt made eight changes from the Europa Conference League playoff first leg against BK Häcken in Sweden (2:1). On the other hand, newly appointed FC St. Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin only made one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Lars Ritzka to replace Fin Stevens, who started in the previous week's DFB-Pokal win against Hallescher FC.
FC St. Pauli gains momentum after 20 minutes
At first, FC Heidenheim had more possession, but they weren't able to utilize it effectively. FC St. Pauli's defense was strong. However, Blessin's aim for quick transition play was not noticeable in the hosts' performance. Nevertheless, the home team had the first chance when Connor Metcalfe missed the target from 18 meters after 20 minutes.
Afterward, FC St. Pauli gained control, enhancing their transition game. Metcalfe had another decent opportunity a mere 10 minutes later. Positioned directly in front of Heidenheim's goalkeeper Kevin Müller, the Australian still couldn't hit the ball cleanly. Until the break, Hamburg continued to dominate the game with Heidenheim barely causing a stir.
FC St. Pauli with chances, Heidenheim with the goal
In the second half, the hosts played more aggressively, but their final passes were often imprecise, failing to create clear-cut chances. Heidenheim's defense remained robust. It wasn't until the 63rd minute that the game heated up in front of the away team's goal: After a powerful solo run by Jackson Irvine, Morgan Guilavogui came close to taking the lead for Heidenheim.
However, FC St. Pauli suffered a setback: Loanee Bayern player Wanner scored a perfect counterattack goal for Heidenheim. The home side struggled to create clear chances afterwards. Heidenheim employed smart tactics and effectively put any doubts about their win to rest by scoring with Schöppner's header.
Despite the setback from Wanner's goal, FC St. Pauli continued to press, hoping for a comeback. However, their efforts faltered, and Heidenheim managed to maintain their lead, marking a successful comeback to the Bundesliga for them after 13 years.
With the victory, FC Heidenheim sent a strong message to the league, proving that they are capable of competing and emerging victorious, even against formidable opponents like FC St. Pauli, signifying their potential comeback to prominence in German football.
