FC St. Pauli vs 1899 Hoffenheim Match Recap - Oct 28, 2025

In a gripping DFB Pokal showdown at the historic Millerntor-Stadion on October 28, 2025, FC St. Pauli clawed their way to a hard-fought victory over 1899 Hoffenheim after a dramatic penalty shootout that concluded with an 8-7 scoreline. The match, which had begun with a lightning-quick goal from St. Pauli's Hauke Wahl in just the first minute, evolved into a tense encounter that epitomized the spirit of cup football.

St. Pauli had struggled through a dismal run of form, losing their last five league matches, including a humbling 0-3 defeat to Hoffenheim just nine days prior. Hopes were high that playing on home turf would uplift the team, and Wahl's early strike was a clear signal that the home side was determined to banish the ghosts of recent failures. The goal sent the Millerntor crowd into raptures, setting a jubilant tone that St. Pauli desperately needed.

However, the joy was short-lived. Grischa Prömel leveled the score for Hoffenheim shortly after halftime with a goal in the 47th minute, reminding St. Pauli that maintaining their lead would be no easy task. The second half unfolded with plenty of back-and-forth action, but neither side could find the decisive touch as the match extended into extra time.

As the clock ticked down to the final moments of the match, a dramatic sequence unfolded. An unfortunate handball decision led to a penalty for Hoffenheim, which was converted by Andrej Kramarić in the 107th minute, renewing Hoffenheim's hopes. Yet, just as it seemed they would stroll to victory, another penalty awarded to St. Pauli in stoppage time saw Joel Chima Fujita equalize again, sending the match to penalties with tension mounting in the stadium.

What followed was a penalty shootout that felt as much a test of nerve as skill. Both teams traded successful penalties, but as the shootout progressed, it became clear that St. Pauli, buoyed by their home support, were not ready to bow out of the cup just yet. Each successful kick felt like a heartbeat echoing through the stadium, culminating in a moment of elation when the final converted penalty from Manolis Saliakas sent the home fans into a rapture.

This victory may well be the lifeline that FC St. Pauli needed, providing a much-needed boost of confidence amid a tumultuous period in the Bundesliga where they sit perilously close to the relegation zone. For Hoffenheim, this defeat stings; they were coming off a strong performance in their last league match but faltered when it mattered most.

As the dust settles on this cup thriller, both teams face critical moments ahead. For St. Pauli, the task now is to channel this victory into their league performances, seeking to reclaim their season. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim will need to regroup and rediscover the momentum that they had built only to see it slip away dramatically on a chilly October evening.