St. Pauli suffer first pre-season defeat after 1-4 loss to Bournemouth

FC St. Pauli suffered their first pre-season defeat after losing 1-4 to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth on Thursday in Saalfelden. The Millerntor side ended their training camp in Austria with a clear setback, just weeks before the 2. Bundesliga campaign kicks off.

What happened in Saalfelden?

Martijn Kaars (22) put St. Pauli ahead in the 22nd minute, but Europa League qualifiers Bournemouth turned the game around before half-time through goals from Ben Gannon-Doak (27) and Harold William (37). Daniel Jebbison (48) and Bafodé Diakité (52) added two more in the second half to make it 1-4. Despite the heavy defeat, the Hamburg side showed flashes of quality throughout the match.

The game was played in front of 500 spectators in Saalfelden. The training camp in Flachau concluded with a loss, but the team remains focused as they prepare to return to Hamburg on Saturday.

Why the loss isn’t a surprise

With a squad reshaped after their 2025 Bundesliga relegation, St. Pauli face a tough challenge. Their last five competitive outings ended in defeats (LLLLL), and their final 2025 season record showed just 29 goals scored against 60 conceded (goal difference: -31).

The loss to Bournemouth highlights the work still needed before the season opener against Greuther Fürth on 9 August. The final pre-season test against Deportivo A Coruña on 1 August at Millerntor Stadium will be the last chance to fine-tune ahead of matchday one.

What’s next for St. Pauli?

The team returns to Hamburg with just days left to prepare for the new 2. Bundesliga season. Their first competitive fixture kicks off on 9 August at 13:30 against SpVgg Greuther Fürth. The pre-season clash against Spanish top-flight newcomers Deportivo A Coruña on 1 August at 18:30 will serve as the final tune-up.

Despite the heavy defeat, the mood in the camp remains upbeat. The preparation was intense, and the players showed glimpses that suggest better things to come. Fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter in the 2. Bundesliga.

St. Pauli finished the 2025 Bundesliga season 18th with 26 points from 34 games (6 wins, 8 draws, 20 losses) and have now lost their last five matches in a row (LLLLL).