Stalemate at the Millerntor as St. Pauli and Frankfurt share the spoils

St. Pauli and Eintracht Frankfurt were unable to break the deadlock in a tense encounter at the Millerntor-Stadion, ultimately settling for a 0-0 draw.

St. Pauli arguably created the better chances overall, striking the post twice in the first half, but Alexander Blessin’s side were left frustrated as they failed to find a way past Michael Zetterer. Frankfurt, however, looked the more assured side after the break, meaning a point apiece felt a fair outcome.

Despite Frankfurt enjoying the majority of possession early on, St. Pauli made the brighter start, roared forward by a raucous Millerntor crowd who sensed an opportunity for their side. Clear-cut chances were initially hard to come by as both teams cautiously tried to settle into the contest.

The hosts came close just past the 20-minute mark when Mathias Pereira Lage struck the post from close range, providing real encouragement for Blessin’s side.

St. Pauli continued to push forward and hit the woodwork again shortly after the half-hour mark. Daniel Sinani combined neatly with Pereira Lage in a quick one-two before curling a strike towards goal that had Zetterer beaten, only for the effort to clip the post and roll out for a goal kick. Frankfurt were relieved to reach half-time level after spending much of the first period on the back foot.

The visitors emerged for the second half with greater intent and almost made an immediate breakthrough. Straight from the restart, Jean-Matteo Bahoya drove at the St. Pauli defence and attempted to curl an effort into the far corner, but Nikola Vasilj was equal to it with a strong save.

From there the match slipped back into the cagey pattern seen at the start of the first half, with chances again at a premium. The Millerntor crowd, however, continued to provide relentless backing for their team as they searched for a late winner.

As the clock ticked towards the 90-minute mark, the fourth official indicated seven minutes of added time. By that stage Frankfurt had begun to dictate possession, patiently shifting the ball from side to side in search of an opening. The St. Pauli defence held firm, though, repelling every attempt to ensure the game ended goalless.

Another resolute defensive display at home extends St. Pauli’s unbeaten run at the Millerntor-Stadion to six matches, though they remain in 15th place. Frankfurt, meanwhile, are now without a win in their last six Bundesliga away games and end the weekend in seventh.