Oppie’s late strike guides St.Pauli past Gladbach in last-16 encounter

Louis Oppie struck late for the visitors who defeated Gladbach at Borussia Park this evening.

A Borussia Mönchengladbach side undergoing somewhat of a renaissance under coach Eugen Polanski faced a St. Pauli outfit that seemed low on confidence. However, the Kiezkickers packed a late punch this evening, with Louis Oppie’s late goal securing progression to the quarter finals. 

Somewhat fittingly, the first shot on target this evening coincided with the end of the fans’ 12-minute protest against government proposals regarding stadium safety. Still, Nikola Vasilj was alert to the stinging strike from Kevin Stöger. 

Gladbach continued to take the game to their visitors despite a clear lack of chances for both teams. Once again, Stöger was at the heart of Gladbach’s attacks – twice he found himself blocked by the St.Pauli rearguard on 24 minutes. 

Just as it appeared as if we would end the first-half without a goal, the Hanseatic club had other ideas. Joel Fujita capitalised on a moment of confusion in the Gladbach ranks before feeding Martjin Kaars who kept his cool to find the net.  

However, St. Pauli’s advantage lasted a little over 13 minutes until parity was restored. A beautiful switch of play from Gio Reyna picked out Franck Honorat on the run. The French winger drove into space and crossed for Haris Tabakovic to guide home with his head. 

With around 20 minutes remaining in normal time, both sides had chances of note – St.Pauli’s Jackson Irvine was kept at bay by Nicolas, while Shuto Machino’s ball from the right couldn’t be steered home by either Reitz or Tabakovic for Gladbach. 

In the dramatic final act, St. Pauli gained a 2-1 lead. As Alexander Blessin’s side attacked the right flank, Kaars turned provider to feed Louis Oppie. The wing-back cut inside Charles Hermann and had just enough power on his strike to device Moritz Nicolas at the near post which settled the game.