Woltemade's late strike breaks Pauli hearts | OneFootball

Woltemade's late strike helps VfB Stuttgart sink nine-man St. Pauli

Eager to ensure their Bundesliga survival at the Millerntor, St. Pauli were left frustrated after a goal from Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade two minutes before injury time left the nine-man hosts looking to their remaining games to guarantee their top-flight status.

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St. Pauli 0-1 VfB StuttgartGoals: 0-1 Woltemade 88’ (assist: Demirović)Red cards: Van der Heyden 57’,  Vasilj 90’+6

Knowing a win could secure their Bundesliga status, Pauli took to the visitors from the kick-off. In the very first minute, Noah Weißhaupt - who stepped in for Elias Saad after the Tunisia international was injured during the warm-up - tested VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel with a shot that the custodian was equal to.

There was an intense opening to the game at the Millerntor. (IMAGO/Fernando Soares)

Evenly contested first half

After things settled, the first half became a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. Nikola Vasilj was in inspired form for the hosts, making several crucial saves to keep Stuttgart at bay.  Stuttgart dominated possession but struggled to find a breakthrough against a resolute St. Pauli defence. Woltemade came closest for Stuttgart, forcing a fine save from Vasilj in the 18th minute. As the teams went into the break, the match remained finely poised at 0-0.

The match threw up many intense battles. (IMAGO/Fernando Soares)

Red card turns the tide

The second half began with increased intensity, and the match took a dramatic turn in the 57th minute. Siebe Van der Heyden received his second yellow card for directing a Woltemade shot wide with his arm, reducing St. Pauli to ten men. Stuttgart looked to capitalise from the spot. However, Vasilj continued his heroics, saving Woltemade's spot-kick to keep the hosts level.

As the game wore on, Stuttgart's dominance grew, and they finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute. Woltemade redeemed himself for his earlier miss, slotting home the winning goal from substitute Ermedin Demirović's cut-back to break St. Pauli hearts.

Angelo Stiller's control and distribution were important to Stuttgart's attacking play. (IMAGO/Andreas Hannig)

Late drama seals St. Pauli's fate

The drama wasn't over there. Vasilj, who had been St. Pauli's hero for much of the match, received two quick yellow cards for protesting in injury time, resulting in his dismissal. This left the home side with just nine men on the field for the final moments of the game, effectively ending their hopes of a late equaliser. Stuttgart held on for a victory that keeps their slimmest of hopes of a top-six finish alive.

Ermedin Demirović (top) celebrates with Nick Woltemade. (IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Max Vincen)

Player of the Match: Nick Woltemade

Despite his penalty miss, Woltemade emerged as the hero for Stuttgart. The striker showed great mental strength to put the disappointment behind him and score the winner. Woltemade was a constant threat throughout the match, recording six shots on goal - more than any other player. His persistence and ability to find space in the box ultimately proved the difference in a tightly-contested affair.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: St. Pauli 0.37 - Stuttgart 3.36Fastest player: Philipp Treu (STP), 34.68 km/hLowest goal probability: 0-1 by Woltemade (VFB), 21 percentMost pressed player: Deniz Undav (VFB), 25 times under pressurePass efficiency: Angelo Stiller (VFB), +3.93

Fantasy Heroes: Vasilj (FC St. Pauli, 309 Points), Maximilian Mittelstädt (VfB Stuttgart, 249 Points), Woltemade (VfB Stuttgart, 221 Points)

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