VfL Wolfsburg drew 0-0 away to FC St. Pauli on Bundesliga Matchday 8, a result that means Ralph Hasenhüttl’s charges slip down to 14th in the table for the time being.
In the first meeting between these teams in 13 years, VfL were initially happy to sit back and soak up the hosts’ pressure, with the opening 20 minutes marked by Pauli’s determination to score their first home goal of the season. Their best chance arrived in the 15th minute via a low drive from Johannes Eggestein, but Kamil Grabara – wearing the captain’s armband for the first time – was well placed to save.
The Wolves struggled to make any inroads in the final third, with an impressive Mohammed Amoura header (10’) and a curling effort from Joakim Maehle that went just over the bar (31’) the best they could muster. The teams cancelled each other out after that, resulting in most of the action taking place in a congested midfield.
Grabara was called into action again in the 42nd minute to thwart a close-range Jackson Irvine effort, while at the other end Jonas Wind’s header from a corner produced a fine save from Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj (45’+1).
The Green-and-Whites emerged for the second half with fire in their bellies and soon created two clear-cut openings for Amoura, who was frustrated by Vasilj on both occasions (46’, 48’).
St. Pauli reacted by increasing their tempo and had an effort from Morgan Guilavogui – brother of former VfL captain Josuha – disallowed for offside (52’). That was followed by Denis Vavro’s last-ditch block on Eggestein before Grabara was again on hand to keep out Danel Sinani (65’).
The chances dried up somewhat after that, with the best opportunity for a winner falling to the Wolves in the closing stages when Tiago Tomas missed a presentable opening from just inside the penalty area, while substitute Kevin Behrens headed over in stoppage time (90’+3).
The match was more entertaining than the scoreline might suggest as each team had their goalkeeper to thank for earning them a point.
