Rot-Weiss Essen beat FC St. Pauli 2-0 in the DFB Pokal first round. St. Pauli had more of the ball, but Essen took their chances at both key moments and that was enough to decide the tie.
Marek Janssen gave Essen the lead in the 36th minute, converting Marvin Obuz's assist. Semir Telalović made it 2-0 in the 53rd from Jannik Hofmann's setup, and St. Pauli could not find a reply.
The visitors dominated possession with 61% and completed 327 passes to Essen's 169, yet Essen were far more threatening, with 19 shots and seven on target to St. Pauli's seven and two. St. Pauli's goalkeeper made six saves as Essen pressed home their advantage.
