14.09.2025 / English
Analysis: Moral & Maglica
With strong morale and a clear improvement in performance after the break, the Lilies deservedly secured the three points against Eintracht Braunschweig. In our analysis, we'll naturally take another look at Matej Maglica's free kick and also consider the positives and negatives of the home win.
Scene of the game:
Maglica’s moment. Unsurprisingly, Matej Maglica was a sought-after player after the 2-1 win against Eintracht Braunschweig. And the tall defender, with a broad smile, took all media representatives back to the decisive moment: „I was hoping I’d be allowed to shoot.“ Besides the Croatian, Fabian Nürnberger and Killian Corredor would certainly have been considered as free-kick takers, but ultimately, the motto was: „Toughness over precision.“
„I’m known for having a powerful shot,“ Maglica explained, adding: „I took the ball and my goal was to score. And that worked.“ And how. The left-footer hammered the ball into the net at a whopping 132 kilometers per hour.
The ensuing celebration encompassed the entire Lilies‘ matchday squad. Substitutes stormed onto the field, and players who had already been substituted returned to it. On the one hand, of course, out of joy at the opening goal. But on the other hand, because it was Maglica who scored the goal. „He’s a great guy, a great player, and we’re all happy for him,“ Nürnberger summarised after the game: „The whole team was extremely happy for him.“
This went well:
The energy after the break. „We had problems in the first half, but after the break, we brought a different energy to the pitch. And that’s what it was all about today: energy, energy, energy.“ With these words, Marcel Schuhen summed up the match against Eintracht Braunschweig on the Sky microphone. Florian Kohfeldt had already analysed their opponents at the pre-match press conference: „They play very intensely, very courageously, and very emotionally.“
And that’s exactly how the Lions performed at the Merck Stadium. Numerous duels, interruptions in play, and a high level of intensity characterised the game, and SV 98 needed a while to adjust to this energy level. But after a few minutes of the second half, the Lilies were fully engaged, winning numerous duels with the support of the loud crowd, and were themselves aggressive, venomous, and „determined“ in their attacks, as Fabian Nürnberger summarised.
Kohfeldt: „I told the team during the break: We’re not having our best day today, but we have to find a way to win the game. And they did it.“
In addition to the goals from Isac Lidberg and Maglica, the energy level and the associated morale after the break also played a significant role in the success.
A sense of the moment. „We have to develop an awareness of which points are decisive in a game.“ This sentence dates back to March 2025. Florian Kohfeldt uttered it after the narrow away defeat at 1. FC Köln. Other statements by the head coach from this period also point in a similar direction. In Ulm, Kohfeldt spoke of how his team had to „feel the moments,“ meaning understand at which phases and moments a game could tip in one direction or the other.
The Lilies appear to have made significant progress in this regard this season. Killian Corredor had this feeling in Nürnberg, and the home game against Braunschweig even offered a whole series of examples for this theory. The 0-1 deficit may have briefly thrown the Lilies off their stride, but defensively the South Hesse team were so solid that they always had a chance to turn things around. Isac Lidberg once again demonstrated his goal-scoring instinct in the 1-1 draw, sensing the right moment to reward himself with the goal. The Swede was also on hand in one of the few moments of inattention on Braunschweig’s side, forcing the sending off and the free kick, which Maglica was able to use to score the winner. This was also because Kohfeldt recognised that the free kick position favored Maglica more than one of the team’s technical players.
That didn't go well:
The goal conceded. Unfortunately, it’s part of every goalkeeper’s job description that a small mistake usually results in a goal conceded. „It was my mistake, I told the lads that at halftime. I think it’s important to admit a mistake,“ Marcel Schuhen admitted immediately after the final whistle on SKY in his usual honest manner, lauding the entire team’s „top-notch reaction“ after the break.
Mehmet Aydin’s shot for Braunschweig could certainly have been prevented, but the Lilien captain took the lead here as well, taking responsibility for the goal. „That’s fitting for Schuh,“ Kohfelt summarised, adding: „He speaks very clearly about the things he doesn’t like. And he also says very clearly when he didn’t handle something optimally.“
The goal conceded in the 22nd minute threw the Lilien off their stride somewhat, and Kohfeldt observed a „slight uncertainty“ among his team immediately afterward, which led us to our second not-so-successful point…
…A period of impatience: It speaks for the Lilies‘ desire to reverse deficits like yesterday’s 0-1 as quickly as possible. However, on Saturday afternoon, this determination came at the expense of precision and determination in the period between 0-1 and halftime. As a result, the Lilies lost a bit of control of the game, making a few misplaced passes, and getting bogged down in one-on-one duels. On the positive side: After analysing their performance during the break and making a few minor adjustments, the South Hesse team regained control and found their way to victory through ball control, patience, and better decision-making.
Quote of the day
After the break, we brought a different energy to the pitch. And that's what it was all about today: energy, energy, energy.
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.