Darmstadt bounced back from a weak start, drawing 2-2 (2-1) after 90 hard-fought minutes in the capital. Hertha BSC found themselves two goals up after a quarter of an hour, but Hornby's brace (39th, 62nd minute) crowned their comeback. The unbeaten run for the South Hessians thus continues; their last league defeat dates back to the end of October.
Darmstadt got an early cold shower in the freezing cold of the Olympic Stadium: In the 2nd minute, the home side won the ball in the opposition’s half and quickly countered. Winkler’s cross found Reese, who beat Schuhen. Hertha continued to press: Reese tried his luck twice in the 9th and 12th minutes, but the Darmstadt captain was equal to the task each time. After 15 minutes, however, the ball was in the net again, and once more the goal stemmed from a turnover by the visitors. Eitschberger intercepted the ball, cut inside, and finished to make it 2-0.
The visitors recovered somewhat after that, but the hosts remained the more assertive team overall. After half an hour, Darmstadt were fortunate not to have conceded another goal: Schuhen cleared a Reese cross, but the ball rebounded to Cuisance, who narrowly missed the target from a central position. Almost out of nowhere, the Lilies rekindled their hopes of getting something out of the game at the Olympic Stadium: Klemens fouled Marseiler in the penalty area, and Hornby easily converted the resulting penalty, six minutes before the interval. Darmstadt then enjoyed their best spell of the game and nearly equalised in stoppage time. Lidberg’s low cross found Nürnberger, whose first shot was blocked and his second attempt was cleared for a corner. So, at the half time whistle, the Lilies deservedly went in behind.
The visitors carried their momentum into the second half, applying considerable pressure, particularly down Marseiler’s left flank. Hertha didn’t shy away from the challenge either, resulting in an entertaining match. After 59 minutes, Darmstadt came close to equalising, with Ernst just managing to tip Maglica’s header over the bar. The 2-2 equaliser seemed increasingly likely, and in the 62nd minute, it arrived: Lopez’s cross found Hornby in the centre, who bundled the ball over the line from close range. A brace for the striker!
In the 70th minute, the visitors had a man advantage: Marseiler’s solo run down the pitch was brought down by Kownacki’s tackle, and referee Lechner immediately brandished the red card. The game almost turned completely around after that, but Lidberg fired the ball against the underside of the crossbar from point-blank range with 13 minutes remaining. A lead would certainly have been deserved by then. From then on, a few fouls crept in during midfield and the game lost some of its pace. Hertha had one last chance in stoppage time, but Schuhen held onto the ball. Thus, Darmstadt return to southern Hesse with a point after trailing 2-0.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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: