Foto: SV 98 27.05.2026 / English
5-1 in the last home game: U21 secures survival in the league
„I’m proud of you,“ were the words of U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt to the team after they secured their place in the Hessenliga. On Saturday (May 23rd), SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team had the chance to stay in the league against Turabdin Babylon Pohlheim – and they seized it impressively! The young Lilies delivered a convincing 5-1 goal fest, but at the same time still needed help from other teams to guarantee their survival. However, because their direct rivals, CSC 03 Kassel, narrowly lost in Stadtallendorf, the U21 team was finally able to celebrate.
Kadrijaj hat trick and three goals within eight minutes
Five goals, six celebrations. Looking at the league table, the young Lilies went into the match as underdogs, but Darmstadt’s positive run of form proved decisive. The young Lilies carried this energy into the game. Smail Kadrijaj, in particular, was on fire: he gave the U21s the lead in the 16th minute, and the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
The young Lilies came out of the locker room with even more fire. In the 51st minute, Kadrijaj was awarded a penalty, but he missed. However, he kept his composure and converted the rebound to make it 2-0. In the 56th minute, Kadrijaj completed his hat trick, making it 3-0. In the 59th minute, Kelvin Kunstmann added his name to the scoresheet with a long-range shot, making it 4-0.
The young Lilies came out of the locker room with even more fire. „I’m very happy for Smail; he had to take on a new role this season and has grown into it brilliantly,“ Schmitt said, delighted with his hat trick scorer. After his hat trick, Kadrijaj sits in second place in the Hessenliga scoring race with 25 goals this season, one goal behind Mirco Geisler (26, FC Gießen).
Staying in the league? Staying in the league!
Luis Klappich (84th minute) sealed the victory for Darmstadt with his goal to make it 5-0, but Pohlheim (87th minute) managed a consolation goal. The final score was 5-1, securing their place in the league, a fact the SV 98 U21 players weren’t immediately aware of. Only after the match did the coach reveal the result of the Kassel game in a huddle with the team, sparking jubilation and pure joy.
„I congratulate the team from the bottom of my heart: not only on staying in the league, but also on their development over the past few months – both individually and as a team on the pitch. And that applies to every single player!“ Schmitt exclaimed with immense pride. This progress had been evident not only during the 90 minutes of competitive matches in the Hessenliga, but also in training. „Now we can delve into much greater detail,“ Schmitt added. The U21 coach also considers the work of the entire staff to be very important, „who have prepared the boys very well week after week.“
I'm proud of you!
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 Last match day in Eddersheim
The young Lilies will play their final Hessenliga match of the season on Saturday (May 30th/3pm) away at FC Eddersheim. Despite having already secured their place in the league, no drop in intensity is expected when they visit the confirmed runners-up. „The lads want to keep going,“ says Schmitt. „It’s a shame the season is almost over. We’d love to continue the way things are going. That’s why we want to go into the summer break with five wins from our last five games,“ the U21 coach declared.
Line-Up: Börner – Kunstmann, Karakayar, Maier (Schnerring, 69′), Schlosser (Klappich, 70′), Kadrijaj, Ballmert (Keranovic, 85′), Merx, Herbst, Arnold (Steineck, 77′), Pfister (Görtler, 80′).
„We want to continue this path in Karlsruhe“
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
Fan Information for the Karlsruhe Game
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
The largest team photo in the history of the Lilien enters its second round
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
Facts & Figures: The Top Facts before the Karlsruhe Game
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
Stolperstein tour commemorates Jewish club members
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
New breadth for the future and commemorating the past
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Secure your tickets now: Home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on general sale.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
Well-deserved victory for the Young Lilies
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
With the right mindset and positive development
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor-GOAL-Bonus
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
„Didn’t lose our heads after falling behind early“
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: