Bayer Leverkusen dominates St. Pauli with a resounding 4-0 victory at BayArena.
Bayer Leverkusen delivered a powerful performance on Valentine's Day, dismantling FC St. Pauli with a convincing 4-0 win at the BayArena. A swift double early in the first half set the commanding tone for Xabi Alonso's side, never allowing the visitors a chance to respond.
Coming into the fixture, Leverkusen, sitting sixth in the Bundesliga, aimed to solidify their chase for European football. In contrast, 17th-placed St. Pauli desperately needed points to climb out of the relegation zone. Their recent form suggested a tough challenge against the in-form hosts.
The home side wasted little time asserting their authority. In the 13th minute, Jarell Quansah broke the deadlock. Ernest Poku provided a sharp assist, allowing Quansah to tap the ball into the net from close range.
Just a minute later, Leverkusen doubled their lead with a clinical strike. Patrik Schick capitalized on a precise pass from Lucas Vázquez, slotting home in the 14th minute. This early flurry left St. Pauli stunned and struggling to cope with the attacking intensity.
Leverkusen continued to control possession and dictate the tempo for the remainder of the half. They created several more dangerous opportunities, consistently pressing the St. Pauli defense. The visitors, however, found it difficult to string passes together or launch meaningful counter-attacks.
At the half-time whistle, St. Pauli faced an immense challenge, needing a significant tactical adjustment to get back into the game. Leverkusen, on the other hand, looked to maintain their dominance and increase their goal difference.
The second half picked up where the first left off, with Leverkusen quickly finding their third. Defender Edmond Tapsoba rose highest to head home from an Aleix García delivery in the 52nd minute, further extending the lead.
Xabi Alonso began to rotate his squad, introducing fresh legs. Patrik Schick and Lucas Vázquez made way in the 59th minute. Ibrahim Maza had already come on at the start of the second half, adding more energy to the attack.
Ernest Poku, who had an influential role throughout, secured Leverkusen's fourth goal in the 78th minute. Jonas Hofmann, a second-half substitute, delivered the assist for Poku's cool finish, putting the result beyond any doubt.
St. Pauli made their own substitutions in an attempt to stem the tide, bringing on players like James Irvine and James Sands. However, they remained unable to seriously test the Leverkusen goalkeeper, managing no shots on target throughout the match. Kai Mets received a yellow card in stoppage time for a late challenge.
