On 17 January 2026, Borussia Dortmund turned a 2‑2 dead‑lock into a 3‑2 victory against relegation‑threatened FC St Pauli thanks to a sixth‑minute added‑time penalty. The win lifted Dortmund to fifth place, kept their Champions League hopes alive, and highlighted how a single moment can decide a Bundesliga season.
Match Overview and Key Moments
Early Goals and Lead Changes
The 18th‑round encounter began with Dortmund taking the lead in the 12th minute when centre‑back Raphaël Guerreiro headed home from a corner. St Pauli responded quickly, with Julian Brandt delivering a cross that Emre Can converted in the 21st minute to level the score. St Pauli regained the advantage at the 38th minute as Finn Ole Becker capitalised on a loose clearance, putting the visitors ahead 2‑1 at halftime.
Haaland’s Impact and Late Penalty
In the second half, Dortmund introduced Erling Haaland and Giovanni Reyna, instantly shifting momentum. Haaland’s press forced an error, and he headed home the equaliser in the 58th minute. Five minutes later Brandt struck from the edge of the box to make it 3‑1. St Pauli fought back, with Villiam Hølund heading in a free‑kick in the 78th minute to narrow the gap to 3‑2. With the clock in the 90+1 minute, Haaland was fouled just outside the penalty area. After a VAR review, he stepped up and slotted the spot‑kick into the bottom right corner, sealing a 96th‑minute 3‑2 win.
League Context and Standings Impact
The victory gave Dortmund three crucial points, moving them from seventh to fifth place and placing them within striking distance of the top‑four Champions League spots. Their recent form had been inconsistent, featuring draws against Bochum and Schalke, making this win a vital statement of intent. For St Pauli, the loss left them 16th with 22 points, still entrenched in the relegation battle and four points shy of safety.
Implications for the Bundesliga Race
Dortmund’s comeback underscores the importance of squad depth and highlights the tightening fight for the title, with Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig watching closely. The result also demonstrates how lower‑table teams can influence the championship chase by extracting points from favorites. St Pauli must now regroup quickly, using their resilience to secure points against fellow relegation contenders.
Post‑Match Reactions
Dortmund coach Edin Terzić praised his side’s perseverance: “We showed why we belong at the top. The penalty was controversial, but the VAR did its job. Credit to the lads for never giving up.” Haaland remained modest, stating, “It was a team effort. Every player fought for that victory. We know there’s still work to do.” St Pauli manager Fabian Hürzeler acknowledged the disappointment but highlighted his team’s heart, adding, “The fight continues.”
