A fair draw after two contrasting halves: SV 98 dominated the first half and deservedly led through goals from Richter and Corredor. However, the second half saw SC Paderborn clearly swing the pendulum in their favour, ultimately equalising with a penalty. How do the players view this final match of the year, and what does head coach Florian Kohfeldt have to say about the encounter? We've compiled all the reactions for you.
„Both coaches will probably find it difficult to accept congratulations. Nevertheless, congratulations to Paderborn on the point. From my perspective, they were two completely different halves. We were very controlled in the first half and deservedly led 2-0. Paderborn, on the other hand, only had one dangerous shot in the box. After the break, we gave the ball away against a team that played incredibly bravely and constantly pushed us back. The second half clearly belonged to Paderborn. Overall, I thought we were significantly better in the first half and Paderborn in the second. In the end, sometimes football is fair, and it ends 2-2.“
„Congratulations to Darmstadt on the point and a great first half of the season. I don’t see it as two completely different halves. I didn’t see Darmstadt overwhelming us. They played very smartly and scored with their first shot. That played into their hands. We, on the other hand, had few chances, but we did have that one big opportunity to equalise, which we have to convert. If we want to be in contention at the top of the table, we have to take chances like that. Overall, though, the score at halftime is fair given the chances we created. I’m glad we pulled one back in the second half and then scored the late equaliser. Hats off to the team for coming back from 2-0 down against a top team on a difficult pitch. All things considered, the draw is probably a fair result.“
„We had a good feeling in the first half, partly because of the two goals. We really struggled in the second half. While we created good chances from possession in the first 45 minutes, we hardly got into the game after that. The second half wasn’t up to our standards, so we have to take the point. Right now, so soon after the match, the second half is obviously what’s sticking in our minds. But with a few days‘ distance, we’ll probably be able to assess the bigger picture better. Overall, it was a very solid first half of the season, one we can build on. The team is united, we were largely dominant, and we found ways to win games.“
„The draw is fair. We were really good in the first half. We could have scored a few more goals. In the second half, we let them push us back completely without creating any chances of our own. The first half should have been more decisive, but we’re happy with the point in the second. The first half of the season went well; the table doesn’t lie. We’re a really great, well-coordinated team. In the second half of the season, we’ll focus on fine-tuning our game and then, starting in January, we want to collect as many points as possible.“
„After taking a two-goal lead, you naturally want to win the game; that’s our expectation. We played against a good opponent who played a very strong second half. They put a lot of pressure on our goal after the break. The 2-1 goal opened the door for Paderborn. We were clearly the better team in the first half, but Paderborn dominated the second. So, the point is deserved. We’ve had a decent first half of the season. We want to win every game. That’s what motivates us in every training session. 33 points is a respectable tally. We’ll try to keep doing our job and then we’ll look forward to the new year.“
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.
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.