Fotos: SV 98 28.10.2026 / English
Conviction and Cup Magic
Florian Kleinhansl couldn't help but chuckle when asked about the statistics from the previous cup match after the game. "For us, only one statistic mattered today. And we won that one," said the 26-year-old after SV 98's surprising 2-0 victory against the eighth-placed Bundesliga team. It was a coup that demanded a lot from the Lilies. The hosts recorded 18 corners, 26 shots on goal, and 74 percent possession. And yet, in the end, an away win for the team from southern Hesse was displayed on the scoreboard in Saarland.
"Awesome conviction"
„It was a nasty, tough job, but in the end we’re happy to take it,“ Kleinhansl summarised, echoing head coach Kohfeldt’s description of it as a „victory of passion.“ Darmstadt had to endure hardship against SV Elversberg, but they did so with „fantastic conviction,“ as goalscorer Lars Kehl wasn’t the only one to acknowledge. „It was really fun,“ the midfielder explained after the cup tie, in which even the team’s usually more offensively minded creative players were mostly occupied with defensive duties and challenges. „We accepted the situation and defended everything.“
Efficient Realism
Of course, Darmstadt were aware of their share of luck and the situations they had to overcome, especially in the first half and immediately after the restart. And yet, their belief in an upset grew with every passing minute. Just as against FC St. Pauli, Darmstadt won the majority of their challenges (56%), blocked shots, or got a toe to the ball.
Going forward, the team was „incredibly efficient“ (Kohfeldt). Lars Kehl’s stunning free kick opened the floodgates for this special cup evening, and Milan Smit’s goal to make it 2-0 after a well-rehearsed corner kick put the Lilies even further ahead in their quest for the round of 16.
It was also a victory of composure, as Darmstadt are able to accurately assess their current situation, as Kohfeldt aptly put it: „We can’t go to Elversberg right now and expect to dominate. We have to be realistic, and that’s okay.“
Fotos: SV 98 
"Moments that can be important"
The approach taken in the matches against FC St. Pauli and in Elversberg isn’t intended to become the norm, but it’s justified for the current phase, as Kohfeldt explains: „We’re working on playing better football again. But right now, our priority is achieving results with passion and pragmatism.“
For all the joy over advancing in the cup, which always helps a club of Darmstadt 98’s size, also from a financial perspective, everyone at the Lilies is aware of their situation in the league. As the bottom-placed team, SV 98 hosts the in-form Magdeburg side on Saturday and wants to cap off a successful week so far at the Merck Stadium. The momentum from Elversberg can certainly help. „That game took its toll, but it also gives us wings. These are moments in a season that can be important. We want to draw energy from that,“ said Kleinhansl, and teammate Kehl added: „We have to carry that confidence with us.“
Quote of the Matchday
"This game took its toll, but it also gave us wings. These are moments in a season that can be important. We want to draw energy from this."
SVD vs. 1. FC Magdeburg: Win ENTEGA fan seats
Our premium partner ENTEGA is once again providing unique stadium experiences this season. For every home game, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP lounge. The application deadline for the match against 1. FC Magdeburg is Thursday (October 29th) at 6pm.
Fan Information for the Home Game Against Magdeburg
On Saturday (31.10.2026/1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game.
Cooperation between SV 98 and HAIX ends as contractually agreed.
The main and jersey partnership between SV Darmstadt 98 and HAIX will end as contractually agreed on June 30th, 2027 and will not be continued beyond that date.
“That was a victory of passion.”
Fight, dedication, efficiency, an outstanding Marcel Schuhen, and also the necessary dose of luck. These were the ingredients for Darmstadt's cup upset against SV Elversberg. The players were overjoyed afterward, having fought their way to the next round against the favoured Bundesliga side.
Round of 16! Lilies fight their way through.
With tremendous dedication, Darmstadt secured their place in the next round! The Lilies rewarded themselves for a tremendous fight and incredible defensive work by advancing to the round of 16. The final score was 2-0 (1-0) against SV Elversberg after 90 intense minutes in which the South Hessians suffered but fought tooth and nail against Elversberg's relentless onslaught. Kehl and Smit sealed the victory for Darmstadt's efficient performance.
Team News: Five Changes to the Team
In the second round of the DFB Cup, Darmstadt 98 will travel to face SV Elversberg. Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Christopher Lannert, Florian Kleinhansl, Nicolas Verkooijen, Lance Duijvestijn, and Hojae Lee will start in place of William Mikelbrencis, Noah Weißhaupt, Hiroki Akiyama, Marco Richter, and Fynn Lakenmacher. Richter is unavailable due to a minor thigh injury.
Matchday Guide: All Information for Pokal Game against Elversberg
On Tuesday evening, SV 98 will travel to SV Elversberg for the second round of the DFB Cup. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will referee the match, and where can you watch the cup tie live? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the game against the Saarlanders in our "Matchday Guidet" format.
Opposition Check: Elversberg
DFB Cup, Round Two: On Tuesday evening (October 27th), SV Darmstadt 98 will face SV Elversberg. The hosts have come a long way in just a few years. Where regional league football was once played at the Kaiserlinde stadium, Bundesliga football is now the norm. Elversberg achieved their rise through the leagues in record time. Now, the DFB Cup awaits, providing the next stage where they are eager to prove themselves.
Facts & Figures: The Top Facts for the Elversberg Game
The second round of the DFB Cup is upon us! On Tuesday (October 27th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit SV Elversberg. Find out what the two teams have in common, how they differ, and which statistics are particularly interesting before the cup match in our facts and figures.
Fan Information for Pokal Game in Elversberg
Darmstadt 98 will play their second DFB Cup match against SV Elversberg tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27th. Fans wishing to support the team in person can find all the important information about traveling and attending the match in the fan information.
„Anything else makes no sense“
After the league games, SV 98 faces its next challenge in the DFB Cup. In the second round, the Lilies will travel to SV Elversberg tomorrow, Tuesday (October 27th, 8:45pm). Our head coach spoke about the opponent, the team's approach, and the importance of the cup competition.
Darmstadt professionals visit amateur games in the Odenwald
SV Darmstadt 98's professional team is making its presence felt in the Odenwald region: On Sunday (November 1st), the players of SV Darmstadt 98 will attend a total of 13 amateur matches in the Odenwald and surrounding areas. With this initiative, the Lilies aim to strengthen amateur football in the region and recognise the volunteer work that is carried out daily in the clubs. Two players will attend each match and remain at the stadium for the entire duration of the game.