The Lilies start the 2024/25 second division season without anything countable. SV Darmstadt 98 lost 2-0 to Fortuna Düsseldorf in the sold-out Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The Darmstadt team put in a decent performance, especially in the first half, but failed to show the necessary efficiency, especially on offense. The blue and white protagonists in front of the microphones were accordingly disappointed with the end result. We have summarised all the voices about the game for you.
„It was a phased game, because both teams had more of a share of the game at times. Fortuna seemed very mature, we had to find a structure, but we didn’t allow much ourselves. We didn’t come out of halftime well, allowed too many set pieces and then our best player to date scored an own goal, followed by a short period of shaking. Afterwards we had a great opportunity to level through Kai Klefisch. Overall, it was a passionate performance from my team. The defeat is unfortunate, as is the red card. You can certainly give this card, but in such cases I think it’s a shame when the first gut decision on the pitch is overturned by the VAR.
„As a coach, I enjoyed the game, even though it might not have been a particularly good experience from the outside. It was tactically very balanced with two very disciplined teams. Both teams didn’t allow much space to play in. It was therefore very demanding, to find these spaces. Overall, we made a few changes at half-time because we didn’t have enough depth in our game. We needed to do a lot better in the second half, the game opened up – that was the own goal. The home team ran after it, but the red card ended the game. „
„The course of the game was bitter. We started the game well, didn’t allow much and Düsseldorf had hardly any chances in the first half. For us, on the other hand, a lot of what we had planned worked out. We already had one or two situations in the penalty area, but we missed making it 1-0. We didn’t start well in the second half. We had a lot of set pieces against us, which resulted in the first goal being conceded. We were happy. But there is still potential for improvement. The way we conceded goals and the red card against us was simply unfortunate.“
… about the red card:
„For me it wasn’t a clear wrong decision. That’s why I don’t understand why he watched it again. No blame at all for Otto. We should have avoided the action before it got there.“
„It’s a bitter start. The game was evenly balanced for long stretches, Düsseldorf had a period of pressure right after the break, otherwise neither team was really compelling on the offensive. We had the best opportunity shortly after falling behind with the double chance. We would have liked to have started the season with points, but Düsseldorf is certainly not a walk-in customer. Now we want to score points in Paderborn in order to really start the season.“
…about the red card:
„A childhood dream came true for Otto today and of course it hurts a lot to fly straight off the pitch. Of course we try to build him up in the best possible way, just like the fans did immediately after the game. I found this tact outstanding and Otto realised that these things also belong to Darmstadt 98. It is certainly a tough first test, but it will strengthen him for the future.“
The second consecutive away game, and the last of the season, is upon us. Once again on a Sunday (May 10th, 1:30pm), Darmstadt will be playing away – this time against SC Preußen Münster. Everything you need to know for your final away trip of the season to the LVM-Preußenstadion, about three and a half hours away, can be found here in the usual fan information section.
There's a lot going on at the Bölle. The 98th Darmstadt baby of 2026, along with their family, visited the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, and they weren't the only ones. Where else the Bölle gang has ended up, and many more news items about the club, can be found here in our "Lilies Across the Board" section, as every Wednesday.
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.