Bayer Leverkusen delivered a commanding performance to defeat FC St. Pauli 4-0 at the BayArena in their Bundesliga encounter. The game, held on Valentine's Day, saw early fireworks with Jarell Quansah opening the scoring in the 13th minute, assisted by Ernest Poku. Just a minute later, Patrik Schick doubled the lead, capitalizing on a Lucas Vázquez pass, leaving the visitors reeling.
First Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Leverkusen's relentless pressure was evident from the start, with Quansah and Schick finding the net in quick succession, establishing an early dominance. FC St. Pauli struggled to respond, failing to register a single shot on target throughout the match. Leverkusen's midfield, marshaled by Exequiel Palacios's pinpoint 89% pass accuracy, dictated the tempo, and St. Pauli found themselves chasing shadows.
Tapsoba and Poku Seal the Deal
The second half saw Edmond Tapsoba further extending Leverkusen's lead with a well-timed header in the 52nd minute, thanks to an assist from Aleix García. As the match progressed, Ernest Poku capped off a superb performance with a goal of his own in the 78th minute, sealing a resounding victory. Poku's contribution throughout the match, including a total of 13 duels and 7 won, highlighted his influence on the game.
Statistical Insights Reflect Leverkusen's Control
Leverkusen's statistical superiority was clear, maintaining 69% possession and completing 751 passes with an impressive accuracy of 89%. In contrast, St. Pauli managed only 332 passes, highlighting their struggles to maintain foothold. The hosts' attacking efficiency was reflected in their six shots on target compared to St. Pauli's zero, underscoring the one-sided nature of the contest.
Looking Ahead: Momentum and Challenges
This victory marks Bayer Leverkusen's third consecutive win, as they continue to build momentum in the Bundesliga. The team's recent form suggests they are poised to challenge for European spots, having overperformed against Villarreal and maintained a green form streak. Meanwhile, St. Pauli, despite their recent green patch, will need to regroup quickly if they are to climb out of the lower league standings.
