RB Leipzig boss Ole Werner insisted that his side’s main goal this season is to qualify for Europe, but does not want to settle for the Conference League.

Leipzig made a strong start to the campaign, but back-to-back losses to close out 2025, followed by a 5-1 thrashing to Bayern in their second game back after the winter break, have seen them drop to fifth in the Bundesliga.

However, they have a game in hand over two of the three teams above them, including second-place Borussia Dortmund, who are seven points clear of Leipzig.

Leipzig face 17th-place St. Pauli on Tuesday, and Werner believes his side are on course to reach their targets for the season.

"I think we're strong contenders [for Europe]," said Werner.

"We're currently averaging nearly two points per game, a tally that will only increase if we beat St. Pauli. There are six, seven sides that are all battling it out in a close race so far – including us.

"In the end, it's always about remaining focused on yourself and on continuing the team's development. I think those teams that manage to do just that, will be the ones that end up finishing in the spot that they want to be in.

"Our goal this season is clear: to qualify for Europe. I think we're on track for that right now and we obviously don't want to set any limitations for ourselves. If we end up finishing within the top four, then that would be even better."

And on the threat that St. Pauli pose, Werner added:  "After a strong start to the season, followed by a period in which they didn't pick up many points, they have recently been able to regain some defensive stability.

"They have returned to the compact shape that made them so strong last year, especially out of possession. 

"We will need to be prepared for that, to come up against a side that are very, very good at defending, with a solid structure and who are also dangerous in transition.

"They have a lot of pace at their disposal and are capable of playing strong passes, because they have several good footballers in their ranks." 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

St. Pauli – Martijn Kaars

Kaars is set to lead the frontline again for St. Pauli in Andreas Hountondji’s absence, but the striker has struggled in recent games.

He has scored just twice in 15 league matches this season, with both goals coming in a 2-1 win over bottom side Heidenheim.

RB Leipzig - Christoph Baumgartner

Baumgartner has been Leipzig’s most threatening player in front of goal this season, registering 12 direct involvements so far (six goals, six assists).

He has registered the joint-fifth most assists in the German top-flight this term, but has failed to contribute in their last three matches.

MATCH PREDICTION: RB LEIPZIG WIN

St. Pauli have averaged the fewest shots per game in this Bundesliga season (10.2), while Leipzig have the second-most (16.3) after Bayern (19.2).

They also have the lowest expected goals (xG) value in the league (14.4), with Leipzig ranking second-highest (34.9).

Leipzig have failed to win any of their three away competitive matches against St. Pauli (D1 L2) and have not managed to score a single goal in any of them.

Since their promotion to the third division of German football in 2013, they have played more away competitive games against St. Pauli without scoring than against any other club.

St. Pauli failed to score in 16 of their 34 Bundesliga matches in the calendar year 2025 – the highest in the competition. Only Hellas Verona (18) and Lecce (17) had more goalless games across Europe's top big leagues.

However, they have scored in two of their three league games so far in 2026, though they went on to lose on both occasions before a 0-0 draw against Hamburg last time out.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

St. Pauli – 26.2%

Draw – 24.8%

RB Leipzig – 49%