And since this weekend is Carnival, expect to see plenty of colourful and creative costumes at the BayArena.
#B04FCSP: Match facts
The 3-0 victory in the cup was the Werkself’s fifth in the last six competitive meetings with St. Pauli. There’s no other team Bayer 04 have faced so often since 2000 without tasting defeat. This game is also a meeting of contrasts, with Leverkusen ranking second in the Bundesliga for big chances created (70), while Pauli are second bottom with barely half that total (34). The Kiezkicker also have the division’s second-worst attack with just 20 goals scored, while Hjulmand’s side boast the third-best defence with 27 goals conceded.
Stats aside, St. Pauli showed in the recent cup encounter that they can play and also got a win over in-form Stuttgart last time out. However, Alexander Blessin’s team have only managed back-to-back victories once this season, way back on Matchday 2 and 3.
focus on st. pauli
“We’re back,” was the reaction of full-back Manolis Saliakas after the 2-1 win at home to Stuttgart. That result was hugely important for the team’s mentality and has created a sense of optimism before their visit to the BayArena. “We can also beat Leverkusen,” added midfielder Mathias Rasmussen. The role of captain Jackson Irvine has also been crucial to their success, with the midfielder proving the difference against Stuttgart despite persistent pain in his foot in recent weeks. Find out more about St. Pauli in our opposition profile.
