Hamburg, Germany — FC St. Pauli faced off against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in a crucial Bundesliga clash on Monday, April 20, 2025. Bayer Leverkusen, sitting second in the league, was eager to close the gap on Bayern Munich, who lead by six points with just five matches left to play.
The match started with immediate intensity, showcasing quick counterattacks from both sides. In the 31st minute, Patrik Schick from Bayer Leverkusen scored with a well-placed header to give his team an early lead, assisted by Álex Grimaldo’s precise cross following a set-piece situation.
St. Pauli tried to respond aggressively, winning several corners and creating opportunities. However, they struggled with execution; notable attempts by Danel Sinani and Eric Smith were blocked, highlighting Leverkusen’s strong defensive setup. Morgan Guilavogui’s shot also found its way to the hands of goalkeeper Lukás Hrádecky.
Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong received a yellow card for a foul in the 63rd minute, underscoring the mounting aggression as both teams contested possession fiercely. Substitute Noah Weißhaupt joined the match for St. Pauli, bringing fresh legs for a late push but found Leverkusen’s defense resolute.
As the game progressed into the second half, St. Pauli increased their attacking pressure, with multiple shots fired from outside the box. However, Bayer’s Hrádecky was quick to deny them, saving a difficult shot from Eric Smith that approached the top corner.
Speaking after the match, Leverkusen’s head coach Xabi Alonso expressed his focus on the present despite speculation surrounding his future with clubs like Real Madrid. “It’s not a good time to discuss the future. We’re at a very important moment in the season,” Alonso stated. While confident in their current form, he emphasized the necessity to remain grounded amid ongoing discussions about potential managerial changes.
Leverkusen’s chief executive Fernando Carro noted that Alonso was already preparing for next season, emphasizing stability within the club. With a strong performance and the current league standings, the team is well positioned to vie for the championship.
Despite their loss against Bayer, St. Pauli demonstrated resilience, and during a post-game interview, manager Timo Schultz commended his players for their effort. “I’m proud of how we battled today. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but the spirit is there,” Schultz remarked.
Looking ahead, Bayer Leverkusen’s next challenge comes against another opponent as they continue their pursuit of the Bundesliga title. Meanwhile, St. Pauli will aim to regroup and improve as the season nears its conclusion.
