Matanović haunts former club - Freiburg fight back to sink St. Pauli at the Millerntor | OneFootball

After a spirited and intense opening from St. Pauli, Freiburg showed their quality after the break, with Igor Matanović playing a decisive role against his former club to guide the visitors to three crucial points.

Sinani strikes in jubilant 50th appearance

St. Pauli made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 23rd minute from a set piece. Following a corner, Matthias Ginter lost an aerial duel to Ando, allowing the ball to fall kindly to Danel Sinani. The midfielder made no mistake, firing home to give the hosts a 1–0 lead in his 50th Bundesliga appearance.

The first half overall remained short on clear-cut chances, but St. Pauli impressed with their intensity and aggression, making it difficult for Freiburg to find rhythm. Only after around 35 minutes did Julian Schuster’s side begin to assert themselves and grow into the match.

Freiburg turn the tide after the break

The momentum shifted decisively after halftime, with Freiburg emerging as the stronger side. Ginter, eager to respond after his earlier mistake, became increasingly influential.

It was the centre-back who initiated the equaliser in the 65th minute, switching play out to the right. The ball was worked into the box to Vincenzo Grifo, whose shot was deflected into the net by Matanović—bringing Freiburg level at 1–1.

VAR denies Freiburg - but not for long

Freiburg thought they had completed the turnaround in the 76th minute when Cyriaque Irié found the net, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review.

However, the visitors continued to press - and just two minutes later, they were rewarded.

Matanović delivers the winner

In the 78th minute, Matanović once again proved his striker’s instinct. A loose ball dropped dangerously close to the goal line, and the former St. Pauli player reacted quickest, smashing it home to make it 2-1.

Despite their efforts, St. Pauli struggled to recreate their first-half threat. Their attacking intensity faded, and clear chances remained scarce as Freiburg controlled the closing stages.

A late goal from Derry Scherhant in stoppage time was quickly ruled out for offside, confirming there would be no late drama.

Freiburg close gap to European spots

The final whistle confirmed a 2–1 win for Freiburg, who now sit just one point behind Eintracht Frankfurt in eighth place.

A comeback built on resilience and second-half quality keeps Freiburg firmly in the hunt - while St. Pauli are left ruing a missed opportunity at home.