Kemlein ahead of St. Pauli return: "The connection will be less" - Kemlein’s emotional return to St. Pauli ends in Union Berlin’s 3–0 defeat
Aljoscha Kemlein returned to Hamburg this weekend, facing his former club St. Pauli for the first time since his loan spell. The reunion ended in disappointment as Union Berlin suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat. Despite the loss, the midfielder reflected warmly on his past with the club.
The match came at a tough moment for St. Pauli, who entered the game after seven straight league defeats. Union Berlin, meanwhile, arrived with renewed confidence following a 2–2 draw against Bayern Munich.
Kemlein played a crucial part in St. Pauli’s promotion to the Bundesliga during the 2023/24 season. His performances on loan earned admiration, and the club had hoped to keep him permanently. He described his time there as a 'fantastic experience' but acknowledged that ties have weakened over time due to changes in coaching staff and tactics.
The atmosphere at St. Pauli’s Millerntor-Stadion remains special to him. He compared it to Union Berlin’s Alte Försterei, praising both for their intense and electric environments. Though the result went against his current side, Kemlein is already looking ahead to the next meeting in Hamburg, determined to secure a better outcome.
This weekend’s fixtures also saw other key Bundesliga clashes. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, RB Leipzig took on Werder Bremen, while FC Augsburg faced SC Freiburg. Elsewhere, VfL Bochum met Borussia Mönchengladbach, 1. FC Köln played Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Bayern München hosted Hamburger SV, and Borussia Dortmund clashed with VfB Stuttgart in matchday 11.
Union Berlin’s defeat leaves them with work to do before their next visit to Hamburg. Kemlein’s fond memories of St. Pauli contrast with the current struggles of his former team, who remain stuck in a losing streak. For now, his focus shifts to improving Union’s form in the coming weeks.
