30.10.2010
News-Archive

Successful End to the 'Nordish Week'

Eintracht grabbed three points at St. Pauli after winning 3-1 and achieved the first away win at the Hamburg club in Bundesliga history. It was a tight affair and a heated game with Asamoah of St. Pauli being sent off just after half time. The early lead of the hosts was turned around with Gekas scoring twice and Caio heading in the late 3-1. The fourth win in the last five games is in the bag, and the fourth away win in six this season.

The Eagles started with the same line up that successfully had beaten Hamburger SV in the cup on Wednesday. Chris and Meier were out of action. The hosts managed the early lead with a bit of luck after five minutes when Zambrano scored from close range. The goal stood but it shouldn’t have been given as goalkeeper Nikolov was fouled beforehand. It was a rough game, St. Pauli tried to overcome their lack of technical possibilities overly motivated, and sometimes with foul play.

The Eagles were impressed by the aggressive way of St. Pauli’s play but stayed calm and waited for their chance. One came after half an hour when from a direct Caio freekick. A little later Eintracht’s left defender Tzavellas delivered a cross into the box where Franz was held by Thorandt, but no penalty was given. St. Pauli came close to scoring but Lehmann’s long range free kick went just wide.

Once again it was Theofanis Gekas who turned it around for Eintracht. The in form striker was fouled in the box and converted the penalty himself in style three minutes before the break. The goal also meant that Eintracht remain unbeaten in the first half all season. St. Pauli remained playing on the edge to unfairness, with Hennings elbowing Ochs but only receiving a yellow card.

Asamoah’s sending off with a second yellow after he fouled Russ was somehow logical (48’). Eintracht took initiative, now looking confident and in charge. But it took them a while to have the next chance, it was Caio with a long range shot that was just saved by Pauli keeper Kessler. The eagles controlled the game, without creating many opportunities to score though. Then it was a moment of class when Schwegler played a through ball to Gekas and the Greek strike netted again, his brace meant 11 goals in 12 games for him in league and cup. With 9 league goals he is now top scorer of Bundesliga.

The hosts came close to equalizing when Thorandt headed the ball wide. Despite being one man down St. Pauli pushed forward, Ebbers and Naki had chances. Altintop just missed the target for Frankfurt with a long range shot. Then Caio headed in just before the final whistle.

It was a historic win – the first away to St. Pauli ever across all competitions. 2,500 Eintracht supporters celebrated the team who keeps impressing with great games, and most of all good results. The game at home against VfL Wolfsburg next Saturday (15.30h CET) will be another chance to keep the momentum going.