Allianz Arena, November 29, 2025 – What a shock! Bayern Munich, chasing their 44th consecutive Bundesliga top-spot record, trail 0-1 after just 6 minutes against relegation-threatened St. Pauli. Andreas Hountondji’s clinical finish has silenced the 75,000-strong crowd and given the visitors a dream start in this crucial 12th-round clash.

The Shocking Opener: Hountondji’s Clinical Strike (6′)

It all went wrong for Bayern early. Konrad Laimer’s loose pass on the right was pounced on by St. Pauli’s midfield. Joshua Kimmich followed with an errant ball, and Pereira Lage stole it from Laimer before threading a perfect through-ball to Hountondji.

The striker outpaced Dayot Upamecano and spotted Manuel Neuer’s near post slightly exposed. From a tight angle, Hountondji rifled it home – Bayern stunned!

• Assist: Pereira Lage (pinpoint pass)
• Shot: Right-footed, low and hard
• Crowd Reaction: Pin-drop silence turned to gasps

Bayern’s Response: Pushing Hard But Struggling

Bayern hit back immediately. Laimer and Serge Gnabry combined on the right, but the cross was blocked. Joshua Kimmich’s corner found Kim Min-jae at the near post, but he couldn’t turn it goalward. From 18 yards, Aleksandar Pavlovic unleashed a strike – wide of the mark.

St. Pauli, down to 10 men briefly after Hountondji’s hamstring tweak (Sinani subbed on), defended deep and countered sharply. Bayern’s possession (65% already) isn’t translating to chances.

Lineups: Kompany’s Rotation Pays Off (For Now?)

Vincent Kompany rotated for midweek cup duties: Raphael Guerreiro, Luis Diaz, and Johannes Bischof start. Upamecano rested for load management.

Pre-Match Context: Bayern’s Record Chase

Bayern enter unbeaten in the league, aiming for a 44-game top-spot streak – a new record. Konrad Laimer hits 200 Bundesliga appearances; Neuer ties Eike Immel’s keeper record at 534.

St. Pauli? Eight straight losses – club-worst. Relegation confirmed, but Alexander Blessin’s side fights for pride. They beat Bayern 3-2 last season here.

Key Battles & Tactics

• Laimer vs Pereira Lage: Midfield duel decides tempo
• Diaz vs St. Pauli backline: Bayern’s left-wing threat
• Bayern’s press vs St. Pauli’s counters: High line vulnerable

What’s at Stake?

A win cements Bayern’s dominance. For St. Pauli, an upset would be legendary – ending their skid and haunting Kompany’s men.

Referee Felix Zwayer (VAR: Katrin Rafalski) officiates. Pre-kickoff, Kingsley Coman bid farewell – his 2020 CL final winner cherished.

Stay Tuned for Full-Time Drama

As Bayern chase the equalizer, expect fireworks. Will Hountondji’s strike be the upset of the season?

Bayern bounce back or St. Pauli shock? Predict the score below! ⚽🔥