Aiming to close the gap to league leaders Bayern back down to six points, Leverkusen had to feel their way into the contest as the hosts imposed themselves with intense pressing.
Despite this, Kiezkicker should have taken the lead through Jeremie Frimpong, who was visibly frustrated after side-footing a first-time effort wide of the mark when arriving in the box unmarked.
However, it didn’t take long for Frimpong to make his mark, going down under the challenge of Siebe Van der Heyden out wide, which ultimately led to the game’s opening goal.
The resultant free-kick was whipped to the back post by Alejandro Grimaldo, finding the head of Patrik Schick, who netted his 18th league goal of the season.
Xabi Alonso’s side remained on top following that strike, carrying a one-goal advantage into the second half. With the division’s worst attacking record and just nine Bundesliga strikes at home coming into this, St Pauli’s lack of attacking threat was perhaps unsurprising.
Nonetheless, Lukas Hradecky had to be on high alert to keep out Eric Smith, stretching to push away his ambitious free-kick attempt from a narrow angle.
There appeared to be a growing belief among the hosts, and with little over 15 minutes to play, the home fans were celebrating, but a handball from would-be goalscorer Morgan Guilavogui saw the equaliser chalked off.
That should have served as a warning for Die Werkself, who were treading water in the second half, yet they were unable to heed it as they lost their advantage minutes later.
Tucking in just his second league goal of the season, Carlo Boukhalfa reacted first to turn in after Hradecky spilt Danel Sinani’s rifled low free-kick attempt. Grimaldo was quick to respond, forcing a save from distance, but neither he nor any of his teammates were able to muster a meaningful rebuttal as the game ultimately ended all square.
Eight points clear of the relegation play-off spot, St Pauli’s recent good form has alleviated immediate fears of a return to the second tier, having now lost just once in their last six games (W2, D3).
As for Leverkusen, the impossible task of following last season’s successes shouldn’t overshadow a relatively strong campaign in which UEFA Champions League qualification is already assured, with a second-placed finish looking inevitable.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Carlo Boukhalfa (St Pauli)