Igor Matanović's second-half double secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory for SC Freiburg against FC St. Pauli at the Millerntor-Stadion.
FC St. Pauli suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at home to SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga. Igor Matanović emerged as Freiburg's hero, scoring a second-half double to turn the game around. The Millerntor-Stadion witnessed a dramatic comeback from the visitors.
Entering the match on March 22, 2026, St. Pauli sat in 16th place, battling relegation. Freiburg, positioned 8th, aimed to solidify their European qualification hopes. Both teams showed inconsistent form recently, making this clash crucial.
The atmosphere was electric as St. Pauli looked to capitalize on their home advantage. The hosts were dealt an early blow when Tomoya Ando received a yellow card for tripping in the 14th minute. This early caution set a tense tone for the encounter.
Despite the card, St. Pauli pressed forward. Their persistence paid off in the 24th minute. Danel Sinani, assisted by Ando, found the back of the net, giving the home side a vital 1-0 lead. The goal ignited celebrations among the loyal St. Pauli faithful.
St. Pauli went into the break with a narrow lead, but Freiburg's expected goals of 2.04 suggested they were creating significant chances. Coach Streich (or successor) likely demanded more attacking impetus and composure in the final third from his side. Freiburg made two changes at halftime, bringing on J. Beste and B. Ogbus.
Freiburg emerged from the tunnel with renewed determination. They applied pressure, pushing St. Pauli deeper into their half. This tactical shift proved effective as the visitors sought an equalizer.
The breakthrough for Freiburg arrived in the 65th minute. Igor Matanović seized an opportunity, slotting home to level the score at 1-1. This goal shifted momentum to Freiburg's side.
Just minutes later, in the 74th minute, Cyriaque Irié thought he had put Freiburg ahead. However, VAR intervention disallowed the goal for offside. The decision offered St. Pauli a brief reprieve and a moment of hope.
Freiburg remained undeterred. Igor Matanović continued his impressive display, grabbing his second goal of the game in the 78th minute. His well-taken strike put Freiburg 2-1 ahead, completing their spirited comeback. St. Pauli struggled to respond, picking up another yellow card for A. Blessin in the 80th minute.
Freiburg’s dominance was reflected in the statistics. They registered 15 total shots to St. Pauli's 10, with 6 on target compared to the hosts' 4. Freiburg’s expected goals (xG) stood at 2.04, significantly higher than St. Pauli's 0.72, showing their attacking quality. Possession was evenly split at 51% to 49% in Freiburg's favour.
This defeat leaves FC St. Pauli close to the relegation zone in 16th position. SC Freiburg, on the other hand, strengthens their hold on 8th place, keeping their European aspirations alive. Matanović’s double provided the crucial difference in a closely contested Bundesliga fixture.
