St. Pauli celebrated their first home win of the season in style, defeating fellow promoted side Holstein Kiel 3-1 at a raucous Millerntor Stadium. Goals from Manolis Saliakas, Morgan Guilavogui, and Johannes Eggestein ended a frustrating five-game home goal drought and provided a crucial boost to Alexander Blessin’s side.
The victory lifts the Boys in Brown above Heidenheim into 15th place, widening the gap to their visitors in the process.In front of a sell-out crowd, the game began energetically, with Kiel creating the first opportunity just eight seconds in when Nicolai Remberg’s shot narrowly missed the target. St. Pauli, enjoying 70% possession in the opening stages, initially struggled to penetrate Kiel’s deep defensive line but eventually found their rhythm.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute as the home fans erupted. Oladapo Afolayan’s clever play on the left flank set up Johannes Eggestein, who laid the ball off to Saliakas. The Greek full-back fired a low, pinpoint shot off the inside of the post to give St. Pauli a deserved lead. Moments later, the hosts nearly doubled their advantage, but Kiel goalkeeper Timon Weiner and defender Patrick Erras combined to thwart Guilavogui and Eggestein.
The intensity of the match escalated as half-time approached. St. Pauli came close to a second when Eric Smith’s header from a corner struck the crossbar. Kiel almost found a leveller on the stroke of half-time after a mix-up between Saliakas and goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj resulted in a penalty for the visitors. Jann-Fiete Arp stepped up, but Vasilj made an outstanding save, ensuring the hosts went into the interval with a 1-0 lead.
Kiel emerged from the break with renewed intent, pressing high to disrupt St. Pauli’s build-up play. Despite this tactical shift, the visitors struggled to break down the well-organised St. Pauli defence. The hosts capitalised on their defensive solidity with a swift counter-attack in the 54th minute. Jackson Irvine won possession, Afolayan weaved through Kiel’s midfield, and Eggestein teed up Guilavogui, who made no mistake from 12 yards to double the lead.
St. Pauli’s resolute defending and sharp counter-attacks kept Kiel at bay. Substitute Phil Harres had a chance to reduce the deficit with a free-kick in the 67th minute but failed to hit the target. Kiel boss Marcel Rapp made attacking changes in a bid to turn the tide, but St. Pauli maintained control, even after injuries forced Saliakas and Guilavogui off the pitch
With just five minutes remaining, Eggestein sealed the win with a well-taken goal, capitalising on Kiel’s defensive disarray. Harres managed to pull one back for the visitors in stoppage time, but it was little more than a consolation as Vasilj ensured there were no further slip-ups, producing a crucial save and turning a late effort onto the post.
The final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations as the players shared the moment with their fans. The victory not only ended St. Pauli’s long wait for a home win but also lifted spirits in their battle to climb the Bundesliga table. For Alexander Blessin and his side, it was a night that showcased their defensive resilience, clinical finishing, and ability to thrive under pressure.
Meanwhile, Kiel’s struggles continue as they remain mired near the foot of the table. Marcel Rapp will be left searching for answers as his side lacked the cutting edge needed to capitalise on their opportunities.
St. Pauli will hope to build on this confidence-boosting result as the season progresses, while Kiel must regroup quickly if they are to turn their campaign around.
