Stöger’s sensational free-kick eases Gladbach’s relegation fears | OneFootball

With only a single point between the teams, it was a nervy encounter in the fight for Bundesliga survival. The only spark in the first-half proved to be decisive as Kevin Stöger’s ferocious free-kick put Borussia Mönchengladbach in the lead. The skillful midfielder ended his goal drought in his 200th Bundesliga appearance.

Moritz Nicolas and Nikola Vasilj only had a single save each before the individual brilliance beat the latter. It was a third meeting between them as Gladbach ended a 15-game winless run in the reverse fixture before St. Pauli came out victorious in the cup duel. 

The sides continue to struggle for clear-cut chances after the restart. That was changed when Franck Honorat doubled Gladbach’s advantage in the hour mark. The substitute fired home after a brilliant linkup play with the tireless Joe Scally.

St. Pauli dominated the second-half, but they were unable to test Nicolas. If anything, they were saved by the post from further embarrassment as Honorat came close to his brace following a swift counter-attacking move. Vasilj was also fortunate that his elementary mistake was not punished in injury-time by another substitute, Florian Neuhaus.

The three teams above St. Pauli will now have the opportunity to widen the gap, while Wolfsburg will hope to regain form under their new coach, Dieter Hecking. The 61-year-old’s former club is closer to the midtable than the relegation fight following Eugen Polanski's side winning back-to-back home games for the first time this season.

Gladbach will face Köln in the derby next week, while St. Pauli host Freiburg in the final matchday before the first international break of 2026.