Hamburg Hosts St Pauli in Bundesliga Return After Seven Years

Hamburger SV and St. Pauli are set to renew their fierce Hamburg derby in the Bundesliga for the first time in 14 years, with the match scheduled for August 29, 2025. HSV, six-time German champions, returned to the Bundesliga for the 2025-26 season after a seven-year stint in the second division, while St. Pauli, known for their strong defensive record, also secured promotion earlier and have proven competitive against top teams. The rivalry has historically favored HSV, who have won 70 of the 111 encounters, but St. Pauli's recent performances, including a thrilling 3-3 draw against Borussia Dortmund, highlight their resilience and quality. HSV coach Merlin Polzin, who has a deep local connection and rose through the coaching ranks after retiring early as a player, successfully led HSV back to the Bundesliga, overcoming years of near misses. The derby is expected to be a high-energy, passionate affair, capturing significant attention across Germany and beyond. This match not only reignites a historic rivalry but also symbolizes HSV's return to top-flight football and St. Pauli's continued presence among Germany's elite clubs.