Leverkusen run riot in four-goal rout of St. Pauli

Kasper Hjulmand’s side made light work of their visitors from Hamburg with goals from Quansah, Schick, Tapsoba and Poku ensuring victory.

Bayer Leverkusen bounced back to winning ways this afternoon with a 4-0 victory over FC St.Pauli at the BayArena. The win lifts Kasper Hjulmand’s side up to fourth in the table and level with RB Leipzig who play tomorrow.

A possession-hungry Leverkusen made hay inside the opening 15 minutes netting twice, albeit the first was somewhat of a Valentine’s Day gift. A cross from Ernest Poku, met by Jarell Quansah deflected in off the bar and Nikola Vasilj’s back.

Just seconds later, Kasper Hjulmand’s side struck again. Despite Vasilj initially pushing away a Patrik Schick’s effort, the Bosnian’s save fell into the path of Vazquez. He picked out the Czechia striker centrally to head in at the back post.

Despite being under the cosh for much of the first-half, St.Pauli did manage to create one decent opportunity. Danel Sinani found space on the right to pick out Irvine. The Australian met it on the volley, but Andrich put in a key block. 

It took all of seven minutes for the hosts to put the game to bed at 3-0 after the break. A routine courier delivered by Garcia picked out Edmond Tapsoba who rose between Pyrka and Irvine to guide a header into the far corner. 

The big Burkina Faso defender almost got his brace past the hour, but this time Vasilj could intervene. Hjulmand replenished his attack with Christian Kofane taking over from Schick, while St.Pauli also made a double alteration.  

However, things would get even sweeter for the hosts on 78 minutes. Substitute Jonas Hofmann cut in off the left and spotted Poku in space, who pulled the trigger from the edge of the box and found the right corner to put icing on the result.