Bayern Leave It Late but Stay in Control
St. Pauli Shock Bayern Early
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich needed deep stoppage time to escape an embarrassing slip-up as they came from behind to beat brave St. Pauli 3–1 at the Allianz Arena.
Still bruised from their Champions League defeat at Arsenal, Bayern made a disastrous start. In the sixth minute, Andreas Hountondji dispossessed Kim Min-Jae and fired past Manuel Neuer at the near post, giving the underdogs a stunning 1–0 lead.
St. Pauli, disciplined and compact, sat deep with two banks of four and countered when they could, forcing Bayern into frustration and near-misses.
Post After Post After Post
Bayern hit the woodwork three times — Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof and Harry Kane all denied by mere centimetres. Kane also had an effort cleared off the line as the league leaders pushed but lacked precision.
With St. Pauli clinging on, Bayern finally found their way through just before half-time. Luis Díaz, seemingly fouled and lying on the turf, improvised brilliantly, flicking the ball to Raphaël Guerreiro, who smashed in the equaliser.
Kompany Throws On the Attack
Vincent Kompany introduced Michael Olise at the interval, looking for more creativity. But St. Pauli’s defensive resilience held firm. Bayern had two penalty claims rejected, Kane was denied again from close range, and frustration grew.
It felt like one of those days when the league leaders would simply run out of time.
Bayern’s Late Explosion
Then the dam broke.
In the 93rd minute, Joshua Kimmich delivered a perfect dipping cross, and Luis Díaz headed home — Bayern’s salvation, just when hope seemed gone.
Three minutes later, substitute Nicolas Jackson punished a St. Pauli mistake, finishing coolly after Serge Gnabry forced the turnover. From panic to comfort in moments, Bayern turned a crisis into control.
With Leipzig drawing on Friday, Bayern move eight points clear at the top — a huge boost after midweek disappointment and a reminder that champions find a way.
