Hamburger SV – St. Pauli: St. Pauli Outclass Hamburger SV in Hamburg Derby (0-2)

Alexander Blessin's St. Pauli side secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV by executing a tactically astute game plan that exploited their opponent’s offensive vulnerabilities. It was a victory for organization and efficiency, as St. Pauli capitalized on set-pieces and direct attacking opportunities, while frustrating HSV’s attempts to impose their possession-based game.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

This much-anticipated Hamburg derby marked Hamburg's first home game since their return to the Bundesliga. Both teams had opened their seasons with a draw, but the tactical approaches on the night were worlds apart. St. Pauli, under the guidance of manager Alexander Blessin, showed they were a force to be reckoned with in the top flight, while Merlin Polzin's Hamburg side struggled to find their rhythm.

The home side, Hamburg, lined up in their 3-4-3 formation, that featured Daniel Heuer Fernandes in goal, a back three of Warmed Omari, Daniel Elfadli, and Jordan Torunarigha, a midfield quartet of Miro Muheim, Nicolai Remberg, Nicolás Capaldo, and Giorgi Gocholeishvili, and a front three of Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit, Emir Sahiti, and Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer. A shape designed to offer width and numerical superiority in the attacking third. Their plan was to dominate possession and use their wing-backs to stretch St. Pauli’s defense.

St. Pauli, however, had a clear and effective counter-plan. St. Pauli's lineup in a 3-4-1-2 shape that featured Nikola Vasilj in goal, a back three of Hauke Wahl, Eric Smith, and Adam Dzwigala . . .