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.“
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.
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.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Despite falling behind, Darmstadt secured their second consecutive home win! Darmstadt defeated Energie Cottbus 3-1 (1-1). The home side equalised after conceding an early goal in the four-minute period through Weißhaupt before halftime. Vukotic headed his team into the lead in the second half, before Lührs sealed the victory with the third goal. This home win brings Darmstadt's season total to seven points.
Homegame at Böllenfalltor (10/10, 1pm): Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting XI compared to the away match in Wolfsburg three weeks ago. Richter and Mikelbrencis come into the starting lineup for Sickinger (calf issues) and Lannert (illness).
On Saturday afternoon (October 10th, 1pm), SV 98 hosts Energie Cottbus at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for Matchday 7. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kick-off? Who is officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we have compiled all the key information regarding the game against Cottbus in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
Tickets for the league match in Nürnberg (Nov. 7th) and the cup match in Elversberg (Oct. 27th) are available for purchase now.
For the upcoming home match on Saturday (October 10th, 2026, at 1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information. Since the start of the season, we have been offering dedicated entrances for women at the west side of the stadium. Additionally, there is a "Bölle Bande" family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance. Please also take note of the information provided by HEAG regarding the autumn break.