Relegation candidates against title challengers is how Bundesliga World Feed commentator James Thorogood billed St. Pauli vs Borussia Dortmund. In the first Bundesliga Topspiel, the duo locked horns in what was an enthralling 90 minutes of football. After racing into a 3-1 lead and seeming somewhat comfortable, Filippo Mane’s sending off five minutes from time proved the turning point of the game.
Daniel Sinani brought St. Pauli to within one of Borussia Dortmund from the spot before captain Eric Smith equalised with an early contender for Goal of the Season with a superb long-range strike. From a two-goal advantage, it’s two points dropped by Borussia Dortmund, but you must commend the commitment shown by St. Pauli.
Here’s three things Get German Football News learnt.
St. Pauli prove they won’t be pushovers
St. Pauli finished 14th last season, just three points more than Heidenheim who finished in the relegation playoff. But while they struggled for goals, they were excellent defensively, boasting the second best defensive record last season. That looks to again be the case this season. Nikola Vasilj has proved himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Bundesliga and Eric Smith is a rock defensively, and is perhaps one of the Bundesliga’s most under-appreciated players. James Sands also returns after missing much of the second half of last season through injury. Although St. Pauli scored three goals on the night, long-term it could still be the issue but they will create chances. St. Pauli are one of the best coached teams under Alexander Blessin, and they should have no problem in remaining in the German top flight.
Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy will create an excellent partnership
Speaking in July, Karim Adeyemi referenced the ever-improving relationship between himself and Serhou Guirassy. Against St. Pauli, that showed. The duo are creating an excellent understanding on the pitch in a two-up-top formation. One drops deep, the other looks for runs in behind. That was showcased in Borussia Dortmund’s penalty when Adeyemi was brought down by St. Pauli captain Eric Smith. Guirassy found himself in a deep position and played a sublime through ball into the space behind Smith which was met by Adeyemi, who cut inside and forced the opposing defender to bring down the German attacker inside the area. The resulting Guirassy penalty was saved by Nikola Vasilj but it could be a sign of what’s to come.
A busy week ahead for Borussia Dortmund
If Borussia Dortmund are to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season. They still need additions before the September 1 deadline. Carney Chukwuemeka is nearing a €20m move to the Westfalenstadion, but BVB are still two players short given their current injury situation. Waldemar Anton was the only recognised central-defender in Dortmund’s starting lineup. Ramy Bensebaini is a left-back, and Filippo Mane is untested – and now faces a two-game ban – making his Bundesliga debut in Hamburg. With the absence of Emre Can – a player whom Niko Kovac prefers in defence – a No. 6 is also missing from Dortmund’s squad. Whether they can get Chukwuemeka and two others over the line before Monday remains to be seen.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
