| This is the first of four quarter-final matches, which will be played over the next two weeks. The head coach of the hosts Kasper Hjulmand has managed to stabilize the team after a difficult start to the season. The Werkself is entering in this cup battle from a 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt and the team is in a good mood. Bayer Leverkusen are currently 6th in the Bundesliga, but the team is aiming for top 4. St. Pauli is in a serious crisis but as we all know the cup has its own rules, something coach Alexander Blessin's team has already demonstrated in previous rounds. Among other achievements, St. Pauli defeated Bundesliga 3rd-place finishers Hoffenheim on penalties and eliminated Borussia Monchengladbach away in the round of 16. Otherwise the guests have not won in their last 7 games and are at the bottom of the table in 17th place. The cup for them is a chance for joy, but also an unnecessary waste of energy in the fight for survival. With Champions League games coming up against Olympiacos, coach Hjulmand can therefore play some of the younger talents in the squad but without risking defensive stability. |
