ST. PAULI vs BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN | Highlights | Matchday 30 – Bundesliga 2024/25
ST. PAULI vs BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN
Reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen suffered a costly setback in their Bundesliga title defense, as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at St. Pauli on Sunday, a result that saw them fall eight points behind league leaders Bayern Munich and all but extinguished their slim hopes of retaining the crown. The match at the Millerntor-Stadion was a microcosm of Leverkusen’s season: moments of brilliance overshadowed by critical lapses that have prevented them from maintaining the relentless consistency of their unbeaten league and cup double triumph the previous year. With Bayern Munich powering to a commanding 4-0 victory over Heidenheim on Saturday, Leverkusen arrived in Hamburg knowing that anything less than a win would leave their title aspirations hanging by a thread. The draw left Leverkusen in second place with 64 points after 30 matches, while Bayern’s 72 points and superior momentum underscored the growing chasm between the two sides. For Xabi Alonso’s men, the result was a bitter pill to swallow, as a late equalizer from St. Pauli’s Carlo Boukhalfa canceled out Patrik Schick’s first-half header, exposing Leverkusen’s vulnerability in crucial moments. Despite the disappointment, Leverkusen extended their remarkable unbeaten run on the road in the Bundesliga to 32 consecutive games, leaving them just one match shy of equaling Bayern Munich’s all-time league record. However, as the final whistle blew, the mood among the Leverkusen players and supporters was one of resignation, with the realization that their title dreams were slipping away in a season defined by too many draws.
The first half saw Leverkusen assert their authority, controlling possession and showcasing the fluid, attacking style that had made them champions the previous season. Alonso’s tactical setup, a flexible 3-4-2-1, allowed Leverkusen to dominate the midfield through the industry of Granit Xhaka and the creativity of Florian Wirtz, who was making his first start since recovering from an ankle injury sustained in early March. St. Pauli, a newly promoted side known for their tenacity and passionate home support, adopted a compact defensive shape, looking to frustrate Leverkusen and hit them on the counter. Despite the hosts’ resilience, Leverkusen’s quality shone through in the 33rd minute when they took the lead through a well-executed set-piece. Alex Grimaldo, whose pinpoint deliveries have become a hallmark of Leverkusen’s attack, whipped a free kick into the penalty area, where Patrik Schick rose highest to power a header past St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. The goal, Schick’s 18th in the league this season, was a testament to his aerial prowess and clinical finishing, and it sent a ripple of optimism through the traveling Leverkusen supporters. For much of the first half, Leverkusen looked comfortable, with Wirtz’s return adding a spark to their attacking play. The young German international, whose vision and dribbling have made him one of Europe’s most coveted talents, linked play with Schick and Victor Boniface, creating several half-chances that hinted at a second goal. However, St. Pauli’s dogged defending, led by center-backs Jakov Medić and Eric Smith, ensured that Leverkusen’s lead remained slender as the teams headed to the break.
The second half saw a shift in the game’s dynamic, as St. Pauli, buoyed by the raucous atmosphere at the Millerntor-Stadion, began to grow into the contest. Coach Alexander Blessin’s side increased their pressing intensity, disrupting Leverkusen’s rhythm and forcing errors in midfield. Alonso’s men, while still dominant in possession, struggled to find the final pass that would unlock St. Pauli’s resolute defense. Boniface, who had been a handful in the first half, found himself increasingly isolated, as St. Pauli’s wing-backs, Manolis Saliakas and Connor Metcalfe, tightened their marking. Alonso, pacing the touchline, urged his players to maintain their composure, but the absence of a second goal began to weigh heavily on Leverkusen’s performance. The turning point came in the 78th minute, when St. Pauli capitalized on a rare moment of disarray in Leverkusen’s usually dependable defense. A weakly struck free kick from Guido Burgstaller should have been a routine save for goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, but the Finnish shot-stopper inexplicably spilled the ball into the path of Carlo Boukhalfa, who reacted quickest to tap in from close range. The equalizer sent the home crowd into raptures, while Leverkusen’s players were left stunned, their heads bowed as they realized the magnitude of the mistake. Alonso, in his post-match press conference, pinpointed the moment as a reflection of his team’s season-long struggles. “In the second half, St. Pauli upped the pressure and we did not find that last pass to score a second goal,” he said. “Then we conceded the goal and it is just not enough for us. This is the way it is.” The draw was Leverkusen’s ninth of the season, a statistic that has proven to be their Achilles’ heel in a campaign where Bayern’s ruthlessness has left little room for error.
The aftermath of the match was marked by a mix of frustration and pragmatism for Leverkusen. Alonso, ever the realist, acknowledged the daunting challenge of closing an eight-point gap with only 12 points left to play for. “Clearly, mathematically it is not over, but we know there are very, very few chances,” he told reporters. “Too many draws this season. That is the reason. Now the gap to Bayern is too big. But we have to be realistic. It is not all over yet. This is not the end of the season yet.” His words reflected a manager grappling with the disappointment of a fading title dream while maintaining focus on the broader objectives still within reach. Leverkusen’s unbeaten away streak, now at 32 games, remains a source of pride and a testament to their resilience, but it offered little solace in the context of the result. The return of Wirtz was a silver lining, with the 21-year-old showing flashes of his brilliance despite not being at his sharpest after his injury layoff. Schick’s goal further solidified his status as Leverkusen’s leading marksman, but the team’s inability to convert dominance into victories has been a recurring theme. For St. Pauli, the draw was a triumph of spirit and organization, as they held their own against one of the Bundesliga’s heavyweights. Boukhalfa’s goal, while fortuitous, was a reward for their persistence, and the point earned could prove vital in their fight to avoid relegation.
As Leverkusen look ahead, the focus will shift to salvaging pride and securing a strong finish to the season. The Bundesliga title may be slipping out of reach, but a second-place finish and continued progress in the DFB-Pokal and Europa League offer opportunities to add to last season’s silverware. Alonso’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire his squad will be tested in the coming weeks, particularly as they face a demanding schedule that includes clashes with top-half sides. For the fans, the draw at St. Pauli was a painful reminder of the fine margins that define a title race, but their unwavering support for Alonso and his players remains a driving force. The unbeaten away run, while a statistical highlight, is unlikely to overshadow the disappointment of a season that promised so much but has been undermined by too many missed opportunities. As the players trudged off the pitch, the weight of the result was evident, with Hradecky’s error and Boukhalfa’s equalizer replaying in their minds. Yet, with four games remaining, Leverkusen’s story is far from over, and their pursuit of history—whether through matching Bayern’s record or achieving new milestones—continues to fuel their resolve.
