Bundesliga
4:30 p.mMarch 22, 2026
Regular season – 27
Millerntor Stadium
Referee: Florian Badstubner, Germany
FC St. Pauli
SC Freiburg
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.72
Expected Goals (xG)
2.04
Passing by
338 (80%)
Accurate passes
383 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
22
G
Nikola Vasilj
7.3
d
Tomoya Ando
14′ Stumbled
24′
8
d
Eric Smith
6.5
5
d
Hauke ​​Wahl
6.6
21
M
Lars Ritzka
6.9
7
M
Jackson Irvine (C)
6.9
20
M
Mathias Rasmussen
6.9
11
M
Arkadiusz Pyrka
6.3
28
F
Mathias Pereira Lage
6.7
16
F
Joel Chima Fujita
6.5
F
Daniel Sinani
24′
1
G
Noah Atubolu
7.7
33
d
Jordi Makengo
6.3
43
d
Bruno Ogbus
6.2
28
d
Matthias Ginter
6.7
29
d
Philip Treu
6.2
44
M
Johan Manzambi
7.3
8
M
Maximilian Eggestein
6.3
32
M
Vincenzo Grifo (C)
6.6
M
Yuito Suzuki
90+8′ missing
19
M
Jan-Niklas Beste
6.5
F
Igor Matanović
65′
78′
Bundesliga classification – Bundesliga
Qualification/Relegation
- Champions League
- UEFA Europa League
- Conference League Standings
- Relegation Playoffs
- descent
Igor Matanović’s second-half brace secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback win for SC Freiburg against FC St. Pauli in 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 brace to turn the game around. The Millerntor-Stadion witnessed a spectacular comeback by the visitors.
Entering the match on March 22, 2026, St. Pauli sat in 16th place, fighting against relegation. Eighth-placed Freiburg were looking to consolidate their European qualification hopes. Both teams have shown inconsistent form recently, making this clash crucial.
The atmosphere was electric as the St. Pauli was looking to capitalize on their home advantage. The home side were dealt an early blow when Tomoya Ando was booked for fouling in the 14th minute. This early caution set a tense tone for the encounter.
Despite the card, the St. Pauli went ahead. His persistence paid off in the 24th minute. Danel Sinani, assisted by Ando, ​​found the back of the net to give the home side a vital 1-0 lead. The goal ignited celebrations among the Saint Pauli faithful.
The St. Pauli went into the break with a slim lead, but Freiburg’s expected goals of 2.04 suggested they were creating significant chances. Coach Streich (or successor) probably demanded more attacking drive and composure in the final third from his side. Freiburg made two changes at half-time, with J. Beste and B. Ogbus.
Freiburg emerged from the tunnel with renewed determination. They pressured and pushed the St. Pauli deeper into their own half. This tactical change proved effective as the visitors went for an equaliser.
Freiburg’s breakthrough came in the 65th minute. Igor Matanović took advantage of an opportunity and tied the score at 1-1. This goal changed the momentum of the Freiburg team.
A few 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 respite and a moment of hope.
Freiburg remained impertinent. Igor Matanović continued his impressive display, scoring his second goal of the game in the 78th minute. His fine strike put Freiburg 2-1 ahead, completing their spirited comeback. The 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 totaled 15 shots to St. John’s 10. Pauli, with 6 on goal compared to the 4 of the locals. Freiburg’s expected goals (xG) stood at 2.04, significantly higher than St. Petersburg’s 0.72. Pauli, showing his offensive quality. Possession was split between 51% and 49% in favor of Freiburg.
This defeat leaves FC St. Pauli close to the relegation zone in 16th position. SC Freiburg, on the other hand, strengthens its position in eighth position, keeping its European aspirations alive. Matanović’s brace provided the crucial difference in a closely contested Bundesliga game.
