bundesliga

Omar Marmoush's strike helps Eintracht Frankfurt down St. Pauli

11.01.2025

Eintracht Frankfurt secured a narrow 1-0 victory over St. Pauli on Matchday 16, with Omar Marmoush's first-half goal the difference between the two sides at the Millerntor Stadion.

St. Pauli 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Goals: 0-1 Marmoush 32'

Frankfurt arrived in Hamburg looking to maintain their position in the top three, while St. Pauli were desperate for points to climb away from the relegation zone. The hosts had shown signs of improvement before the winter break, securing a crucial away win against Stuttgart. Frankfurt, on the other hand, were winless in their last three matches and eager to reignite their title challenge.

Omar Marmoush fires a shot towards goal, showcasing Frankfurt's attacking intent in the first half - IMAGO/Michael Taeger

Marmoush breaks the deadlock

The first half was dominated by Eintracht Frankfurt, who controlled possession and created several chances. Marmoush was particularly active, testing Nikola Vasilj early on. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Marmoush capitalised on a defensive error to fire home from close range. The goal was Marmoush's 14th of the season - putting him level at the top of goalscoring charts with Harry Kane - highlighting his importance to Frankfurt's campaign. St. Pauli had their moments too, with Carlo Boukhalfa hitting the post in first-half stoppage time.

Jackson Irvine of St. Pauli battles for the ball with Hugo Larsson of Frankfurt, illustrating the intense midfield contest - AXEL HEIMKEN

St. Pauli fight back

The second half saw a resurgent St. Pauli side push hard for an equaliser. The hosts created numerous chances, with Jackson Irvine forcing a save from Kevin Trapp in the 55th minute. Frankfurt weren't without their opportunities, as Rasmus Kristensen struck the crossbar shortly after the hour mark. The match remained on a knife-edge, with both teams hitting the woodwork twice over the course of the game. Despite St. Pauli's pressure, including a late effort from Scott Banks that struck the crossbar, Frankfurt's defence held firm to secure the victory.

Omar Marmoush celebrates his match-winning goal, showcasing his importance to Frankfurt's success - IMAGO/Justus Stegemann

Player of the Match: Omar Marmoush

Marmoush was undoubtedly the standout performer, proving to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested match. His goal in the 32nd minute was the culmination of a relentless first-half display, during which he was his side's most dangerous player by some distance. Marmoush's movement and positioning consistently troubled the St. Pauli defence, and his clinical finishing when it mattered most secured the three points for Frankfurt.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: St. Pauli 2.33 - Frankfurt 1.6
Fastest player: Pharrell Nnamdi Collins (Frankfurt), 33.82 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Omar Marmoush (Frankfurt), 11 percent
Most pressed player: Omar Marmoush (Frankfurt), 25 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Rasmus Kristensen (Frankfurt), +4.2

Fantasy Heroes: Manolis Saliakas (St. Pauli, 240 Points), Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt, 237 Points), Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt, 217 Points)