Sane Scores Twice to Secure Victory Over St Pauli, Bringing Bayern Munich Closer to the Championship

Bayern Munich has restored a six-point gap at the top of the Bundesliga, securing a 3-2 victory over St Pauli in their first home win against them since 2010, edging closer to reclaiming the Meisterschale.

St Pauli aimed for just their second stretch of three league matches without a defeat this season and started brightly, nearly breaking the deadlock through Jackson Irvine, whose header deflected off the crossbar, foiling his hopes for a first Bundesliga goal.

However, Bayern quickly capitalised on that missed chance, taking the lead after Michael Olise intercepted Siebe Van der Heyden’s misplaced pass and found Harry Kane, who scored his first goal in six league matches, making it now every Bundesliga team he has faced.

The visitors had yet to earn points this season when falling behind in their top-flight matches, but the league’s lowest scoring team swiftly equalised. A first-time cross from Manolis Saliakas evaded Bayern’s defence, allowing Elias Saad an opportunity to slot past Jonas Urbig with relative ease.

Despite enjoying a commanding share of possession, the hosts briefly thought they had regained the lead when Kane displayed a delightful piece of footwork and finished from close range, only to be thwarted by the offside flag.

While Alexander Blessin’s team performed well defensively in the first half, they were again caught out just 10 minutes into the second half, as Bayern swiftly regained the lead. Once more, Olise was pivotal, delivering a pinpoint pass to Leroy Sane, who had the time to finish clinically past Nikola Vasilj.

St Pauli, now under pressure, resisted increasing attacks from Bayern as Olise’s attempt whizzed past and Vasilj denied Musiala, but their defence eventually wore thin in the 71st minute.

Continuing his impressive performance, Olise found Kane behind the St Pauli backline, leading to a simple tap-in for Sane.

The visitors appeared deflated after that goal, although they did manage to grab a consolation in stoppage time when Lars Ritzka netted from distance, marking his first Bundesliga goal.

This result extends St Pauli’s winless streak on the road to four league matches (D1, L3). While their battling display against the league leaders will likely please their travelling fans, Heidenheim’s victory over Wolfsburg leaves Kiezkicker just three points above the relegation playoff zone.

As for Bayern, although the performance may not have been entirely convincing, with only seven games remaining, Vincent Kompany will be pleased with his team’s strong position.