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.“
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.
SV 98 remains active in the transfer market. The "Lilies" have signed Christopher Lannert from Arminia Bielefeld.
Friendly matches, fundraising campaigns, and plenty of photos—that’s what the week looked like for SV 98 and the club’s community. Between their 5–1 victory over FC Homburg and the upcoming friendly in Walldorf this Friday (July 17), the „Lilies“ showed their best side for the cameras. In addition, the SV 98 legends team will face an Odenwald select squad on Sunday (July 19th). You can also win great prizes in competitions taking place in Erbach and at the pop-up store in downtown Darmstadt. Lilies Across the Board brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
The Bundesliga finalised the match schedules for matchdays three through six on Wednesday (July 15th): Darmstadt's home game against Hannover 96 on matchday three will take place on Sunday. This will be followed by their away game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday at 1pm. The home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday evening and the away game in Wolfsburg, also on Friday evening, have also been confirmed.
The Lilies can welcome another new arrival at the Böllenfalltor: Florian Kleinhansl will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 25-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with 1. FC Kaiserslautern on June 30th.
Third test, third clear victory. SV 98 won the match against FC 08 Homburg 5-1 (3-0).
SV Darmstadt 98 and the fusion energy company Focused Energy are entering into an official partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to more closely link top-level football and high technology from the Darmstadt region and to jointly generate momentum for innovation and future societal issues.
Killian Corredor will be playing in his home country again in the future. SV 98 has reached an agreement with FC Nantes on the transfer of the Frenchman.
On Tuesday (July 14, 6pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Regionalliga side FC Homburg and asks fans to take note of the following information.
A home game against KSV! SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Holstein Kiel for the opening matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season this Saturday (August 8 at 1pm). Here’s how you can be there: the member pre-sale for the new season's first home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 15) at 12pm —available online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion, as usual. You can find all further details in this announcement.
For every home goal scored by the "Lilies," SV Darmstadt 98 fans were doubly rewarded during the recent 2025/26 second-division season. Beyond the joy and excitement, supporters received 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every goal Darmstadt scored at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
In recent days, various media outlets have published reports and graphics regarding the distribution of TV revenue for the 2026/27 season. Some of these reports included not only specific figures but also a comparison to the previous season. This comparison indicates a supposed revenue increase of €1.4 million for SV 98 compared to the 2025/26 season.