Richter begins: This is our lineup!

Matchday 1 in the 2. Bundesliga! And this is SV Darmstadt 98’s starting lineup for their home game against VfL Bochum: Marco Richter is in the Lilies‘ starting eleven, while new signing Hiroki Akiyama and returning player Patric Pfeiffer are also in head coach Florian Kohfeldt’s starting lineup. Fabian Holland is back in SV 98’s competitive squad for the first time since April 14, 2024. Sergio Lopez (illness) is unavailable at short notice, Clemens Riedel will replace him in the starting eleven.

Matchday Compact: All information about the Bochum game

First home game of the season at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! On Saturday (August 2nd, 1pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts VfL Bochum in the first second division match of the 2025/26 season. Everything you need to know about Matchday 1 can be found in our "Matchday Compact."

Participate & win: The SV98 fan tip game is online

Who has the right nose? Starting now, all SV98 fans can participate in the new SV98 fan tip and hope for a match-worn jersey at every home game. Log in now on the prediction page with your personal WirLilien login and participate.

Facts & Figures: The top facts about the Bochum game

VfL Bochum managed to play in the top flight for four consecutive years. However, last season saw a painful relegation to the 2. Bundesliga. Now the Westphalians are looking to get back on the attack in the new season. On Saturday (August 3rd, 1pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will host VfL Bochum at home in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. We've compiled the most important facts and figures for you ahead of the 17th meeting between the two teams, before the first game of the season.

“I feel total anticipation”

How does Florian Kohfeldt feel about the new season and the first game of the season on Saturday (August 2nd, 1pm) against VfL Bochum? How does he assess the strengths of the Lilies' opponent this weekend? And what does the Lilies head coach have to say about new signing Marco Richter? Kohfeldt answered these and other questions at the press conference on Thursday (July 31st). We've summarised the most important statements for you.

Signing on Loan: Lilies sign Richter

Shortly before the season opener against VfL Bochum, SV 98 can announce the completion of another new signing. Marco Richter is moving to South Hesse on loan from 1. FSV Mainz 05.

Organisational information for the home game against VfL Bochum

On Saturday (2 August/1pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will host the VfL Bochum team and asks you to observe the following information.

“The anticipation is huge” | Everyone in blue at Bölle

SV Darmstadt 98 fans had to wait 76 days, but now it’s finally starting again: second-division football at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The professionals are already busy preparing for the season opener in their own „living room“ on Saturday (August 2nd at 1pm). But preparations aren’t just in full swing at Nieder-Ramstädter-Straße: the fans are also getting ready. And as they have for several years, the motto this year is: Everyone in blue for the season opener at Bölle. We report on this and other topics related to SV 98 in our weekly column „Lilien Across the Board“.

Jan Bergholz responsible for Communication & Brand – Jan Becher new Press Officer for Sports

As part of the ongoing development of the organisational structure at SV Darmstadt 98, Jan Bergholz will also serve as Head of Brand in addition to his current role as Head of Media and Communications. The goal of this newly defined area of responsibility is the further development and implementation of a clear brand strategy and positioning based on the club's mission statement. Jan Becher, previously responsible for SV 98's content presence in the club's own media within the media team, will be promoted to Sports Press Spokesperson and will therefore, among other things, lead the press conferences before and after SV 98's matches. In this role, he will continue to report to Jan Bergholz, who will continue to serve as club spokesperson.

Opposition Check – VfL Bochum

A little over a year has passed since an evening became unforgettable not only for VfL Bochum, but for all of German football. It was the second leg of the 2023/24 Bundesliga relegation playoffs. Düsseldorf's Takashi Uchino stepped up to take the penalty and fired the ball over the bar with full force. The dams broke in Bochum's away section and at home: This missed penalty allowed VfL Bochum to pull off a miracle and thus remain in the Bundesliga. But why is this game still worth mentioning a year later?