Hamburg's leading team, St. Pauli, secures a two-point victory over HSV.

HSV Suffers Second Straight Defeat in Bundesliga Return as FC St. Pauli Takes Derby Victory

In a highly anticipated derby match, FC St. Pauli secured a 2-0 victory over Hamburg SV (HSV) at a packed Volksparkstadion on the first matchday of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The win marks St. Pauli's first derby success since October 14, 2022, and propels them to the top of the table with four points.

The game began with HSV struggling to find their footing in attack, while St. Pauli showcased their dominance early on. The Breitling-Bullen took the lead in the 19th minute when Adam Dzwigala capitalized on their first shot on goal.

HSV responded with some promising attacks after the break, but their efforts were thwarted by St. Pauli's resilient defence. The home team's apparent equalizer by Ransdorf Königsdörffer in the 49th minute was disallowed due to a slight offside position of the shooter.

St. Pauli further solidified their lead in the 56th minute, with Andreas Hountondji scoring their second goal after a classy pass from Joel Fujita. HSV's woes were compounded in the 77th minute when Giorgi Gotscholeischwili was sent off with a yellow-red card, and he was subsequently substituted off.

Both coaches, Merlin Polzin and Alexander Blessin, fielded the same starting lineups as in their opening games, reflecting their confidence in their squads. St. Pauli's midfielder Louis Oppie and president Oke Göttlich expressed their joy and pride following the victory, while HSV's substitutes Yussuf Poulsen and Jean-Luc Dompé were unable to turn the tide of the game.

The last game between HSV and FC St. Pauli was won by HSV in the 2nd Bundesliga in May 2024 with 1-0. However, the return of the derby to the Bundesliga after over 14 years saw St. Pauli appear more mature and clearer in their play, while the newly formed HSV team is still waiting for its first goal of the season.

The upcoming 112th Hamburger Stadtderby promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to build on their early-season performances. For now, St. Pauli can celebrate their derby victory and their position at the top of the table.