St. Pauli 2-1 Heidenheim: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of St. Pauli 2-1 Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday, 13 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

St. Pauli secured a 2-1 victory over Heidenheim at home. The hosts took the lead in the 35th minute when Martijn Kaars scored, assisted by Joel Chima Fujita, building on their recent form that included a draw against Köln but three prior losses. A red card to Eric Smith just before half-time left St. Pauli with ten men, yet they extended their advantage early in the second half with Kaars netting his second in the 53rd minute, again assisted by Fujita.

Heidenheim, who had won their last two matches before this defeat, pulled one back through Marvin Pieringer in the 64th minute, assisted by substitute Stefan Schimmer, as they pushed for an equaliser. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, they could not find a leveller, with yellow cards accumulating on both sides adding to the tension. This result halts Heidenheim’s brief winning streak and gives St. Pauli a much-needed boost after a run of defeats.

Heidenheim controlled the ball with 64% possession compared to St. Pauli’s 36%, which translated into more corners at 11 to 4 and far superior successful dribbles at 78 against 33, pointing to their dominance in building attacks. However, St. Pauli’s efficiency on the counter showed in their two assists leading to goals, while Heidenheim managed just one, and the hosts’ red card for Eric Smith contributed to a total of two yellows for St. Pauli and three for the visitors, underlining a scrappy encounter.

Substitutions played a role in shifting momentum, with Heidenheim making five changes including Stefan Schimmer and Omar Traoré at half-time, plus Mathias Honsak and Mikkel Kaufmann at 64 minutes, and Niklas Dorsch at 78 minutes. St. Pauli used three, bringing on Adam Dzwigala at 46 minutes for Mathias Pereira Lage, Ricky-Jade Jones at 76 minutes for Martijn Kaars, and Connor Metcalfe at 90+6 minutes for Ricky-Jade Jones, helping them manage the game despite being a man down.

The match turned on Martijn Kaars’ brace for St. Pauli, first in the 35th minute assisted by Joel Chima Fujita to open the scoring, and again in the 53rd minute with the same assist provider to make it 2-0. Eric Smith’s red card in the 45th minute proved pivotal, reducing the hosts to ten men and inviting Heidenheim pressure, which led to Marvin Pieringer’s 64th-minute goal assisted by Stefan Schimmer to halve the deficit.

Substitutions influenced the flow, with Heidenheim introducing Stefan Schimmer and Omar Traoré at 46 minutes, followed by Mathias Honsak and Mikkel Kaufmann at 64 minutes to chase the game. St. Pauli’s changes, including Adam Dzwigala at half-time and Ricky-Jade Jones later, helped shore up their defence, while yellow cards to players like Jan Schöppner, Mikkel Kaufmann, and Marvin Pieringer added to the visitors’ frustration without yielding an equaliser.

St. Pauli lined up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, with Martijn Kaars leading the line effectively as the focal point up front, supported by Joel Chima Fujita’s creative assists in midfield. Eric Smith’s role in defence was cut short by his red card, while partnerships like Fujita’s link-up with Kaars proved decisive in attack. Substitutes such as Adam Dzwigala, Ricky-Jade Jones, and Connor Metcalfe added fresh legs to maintain structure.

Heidenheim deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation, relying on Marvin Pieringer’s threat in the forward areas to drive their attacks, with Jan Schöppner anchoring midfield before his half-time exit. Substitutes like Stefan Schimmer, who provided an assist, and Mathias Honsak bolstered their push for goals, while Omar Traoré and Mikkel Kaufmann offered width and energy. The setup allowed strong possession play but lacked the finishing touch against a resilient defence.

Martijn Kaars earned Bwin’s Man of the Match award for his clinical finishing, scoring both of St. Pauli’s goals without registering assists, big chances created, or key passes. His brace in the 35th and 53rd minutes, both assisted by Joel Chima Fujita, proved the difference in a tight contest, showcasing his ability to capitalise on limited opportunities despite his team’s reduced numbers after the red card.

Recent Bundesliga matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Heidenheim (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs FC Köln (A)
• Loss: 1-3 vs FC Bayern München (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs FC Union Berlin (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs SC Freiburg (A)

Recent Bundesliga matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs St. Pauli (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs SC Freiburg (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs FC Union Berlin (A)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Borussia Mönchengladbach (H)
• Loss: 0-6 vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (A)

St. Pauli have just claimed a 2-1 win over Heidenheim, lifting them to 16th place on 11 points after a mixed run that included a draw with Köln but losses to Bayern München, Union Berlin, and Freiburg. This result provides momentum as they face FSV Mainz 05 on 2025-12-21 at 14:30, with Mainz currently 18th on 6 points, making it a crucial relegation battle where St. Pauli will aim to pull further clear of the drop zone.

Heidenheim have just suffered a 2-1 defeat to St. Pauli, leaving them in 17th on 11 points following recent wins over Freiburg and Union Berlin but heavy losses to Gladbach and Leverkusen. They now prepare for a tough test against FC Bayern München on 2025-12-21 at 16:30, with Bayern top of the table on 37 points, where avoiding a slip further into relegation danger will be key against the league leaders.

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