VfL Wolfsburg extended their winless run to 16 competitive matches. The team, led by interim coach Hauke Wahl, lost 1-0 at FC St. Pauli on matchday 30 thanks to a late goal from Joel Fujita in the 88th minute.
The defeat at the Millerntor Stadium was hard-fought. For long periods, both defences held firm, aided by several moments of fortune. The woodwork saved Wolfsburg, as did outstanding saves from St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. The game remained balanced after the break until Fujita struck the decisive blow late on. The ball took a slight deflection, making the chance even harder for the keeper to stop.
For Wolfsburg, it was a first defeat under the leadership of Hauke Wahl. The former St. Pauli player had only recently taken charge of the team. "It hurts to lose so close to the end," Wahl said after the final whistle. "The team fought, but in the end we lacked the final touch."
The statistics highlight how close the contest was. Wolfsburg had 52 percent possession and took nine shots in total, with four on target. St. Pauli were only marginally less dangerous with seven attempts. A lack of efficiency in front of goal ultimately cost the visitors a point.
The result leaves Wolfsburg stuck in the lower reaches of the table. The team must now use the remaining games to build a necessary cushion above the relegation places. The next opportunity comes this weekend at home in the Volkswagen Arena.
A look at the standings shows the current urgency. Every point dropped carries extra weight at this stage of the campaign. Hauke Wahl's side will need to work on their chance conversion in training to finally end this negative streak. The next home game is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 PM.
