Hoffenheim remain table leaders – 1:0 victory over St. Pauli

Before the game, Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic commented that St. Pauli would go into the game in good spirits but that Hoffenheim would have gone into the game confidently. He also predicted a great atmosphere, especially as a new main stand - with space for nearly 5000 fans - has just opened at the ground. It was the first home game for St. Pauli in over seven years, and also the first top flight meeting between the two sides. Rangnick's side went into the fixture in good form though, with a 4:1 opening day success against Bremen already behind them. They had to make do without Chinedu Obasi, Matthias Jaissle, Manuel Gulde and Jukka Raitala, however, but new signing Rudy took his place on the bench. Rangnick sent out an unchanged team, which was hardly too surprising to most fans.

1899 with a slow start in first half

It wasn't long before the game sprung into action - but with the hosts enjoying the lions' share of possession of chances. Florian Bruns hit the bar on the five minute mark, while Naki's volley was close to opening the scoring. The first Hoffenheim chance came from Ba, but his effort on 28 minute failed to threaten the goalkeeper. The 25,000 fans saw a half of misplaced passes and low quality football in the first 45 minutes, yet the second half would be more successful for the visitors.

Vorsahs' first goal

The second half started much more brightly for both teams. Hoffenheim went out with purpose, yet it was Pauli who had the first proper chance - with Hennings missing a brilliant chance to put the hosts one up. Prince Tagoe and Boris Vukcevic had opportunities to put the visitors ahead as the game went on, but it was Vorsah who got the game's one and only goal. A Sejad Salihovic cross was met by Vorsah just a few yards from goal, and he was able to poke it over the line to get his first Hoffenheim goal. The game ended 0:1 to the visitors, and thus preserves their 100% record to this new Bundesliga season.

 

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