05.01.2025 / English
Diary: From Snow to Sun
For the fourth time, the Lilies are taking part in their winter training camp in El Saler, not far from Valencia. The „Parador de El Saler“ with an adjacent training ground offers optimal conditions to prepare as best as possible for the upcoming second half of the season. The SV 98 will toil on the Spanish east coast until January 12th. In our diary we take you through the days in the training camp.
From snow to the sun
At 7am the Lilien entourage made up of the coaching team, players and staff set off from the Merck Stadium to Frankfurt Airport. The Lufthansa flight LH 1160 took off from there shortly after 10am towards Valencia. The plane took off in light snowfall and temperatures around freezing point, and landed almost two hours later at a pleasant 19 degrees. A change that was also perceived with goodwill by the players, as Clemens Riedel explained on behalf of them: „When I looked out of the window, I was surprised to see that there was snow. It’s even nicer to train here with the sun and the sea to be able to.“
At 1:15pm, the South Hessians entered the lobby of the „Parador de El Saler“ and immediately gathered for lunch before the tour group moved into their rooms. As soon as we were set up, we went to the training ground for the first time. A bit of fitness and some tactical procedures were on the agenda, then a check mark could be made on the first day.
As with previous visits, this January the Lilies will once again find optimal conditions for good preparation for the second half of the season. “The facility is very quiet, we are among ourselves, the place is right next to the hotel, the conditions are great,” summarised Riedel.
There are eight training sessions scheduled, plus the friendly match on Saturday (January 11th) against Swiss first division club FC St. Gallen.
In addition to the injured Paul Will, Matthias Bader and Isac Lidberg, the training camp also comes too early for Christoph Zimmermann. Fabian Holland is missing due to illness. Klaus Gjasula is not currently in training camp, but is holding talks with another club at his own request.
Training camp squad
1 – Marcel Schuhen 22 – Karol Niemczycki 30 – Alexander Brunst 2 – Sergio Lopez 5 – Matej Maglica 8 – Luca Marseiler 9 – Fraser Hornby 11 – Tobias Kempe 13 – Marco Thiede 15 – Fabian Nürnberger 16 – Andreas Müller 17 – Kai Klefisch 18 – Philipp Förster 19 – Fynn Lakenmacher 20 – Aleksandar Vukotic 21 – Merveille Papela 29 – Oscar Vilhelmsson 38 – Clemens Riedel 42 – Fabio Torsiello 44 – Nico Baier 47 – Othmane El Idrissi 49 – Asaf Arania
Til Rohde (U19) Max Pfister (U19)
Lack of context
More than 30,000 fans packed the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, creating an impressive atmosphere under the floodlights – pure football romance. The setting for Darmstadt's away match against Dynamo Dresden was truly special. Two teams with a playful and attacking approach faced off. For 42 minutes, these ingredients combined to create an entertaining, tactically sophisticated, and intense duel. Until a referee's decision decisively influenced the outcome. We look back on an emotional evening in Dresden.
„The referee decided the game today.“
After 13 unbeaten second-division matches, SV Darmstadt 98 suffered their first defeat this Friday evening. Three unfortunate minutes just before halftime, during which Patric Pfeiffer was sent off and Vincent Vermeij scored twice, paved the way for Dresden's victory. After the match, the focus was primarily on the differing assessments of two very similar incidents by the refereeing team – incidents which both coaches subsequently evaluated identically.
Undefeated streak ends
For the first time since October, Darmstadt 98 finished a league match without any points: SV 98 lost 3-1 (2-0) to SG Dynamo Dresden. After a controversial red card against Patric Pfeiffer (42nd minute), the home side scored two goals in first-half stoppage time to secure the victory.
Team News: Three Changes to the Team
Under the floodlights at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadium. On Friday evening (February 27th/6:30pm), Darmstadt 98 will play away against Dynamo Dresden. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting eleven. Raoul Petretta makes his first start, replacing Fabian Holland. Luca Marseiler starts in place of the suspended Marco Richter, and Hiroki Akiyama replaces Fraser Hornby, who is sidelined with a thigh injury. Fabian Nürnberger, Matthias Bader, and Bartosz Bialek remain unavailable due to injury.
Matchday Guide: All Information for the Dresden Game
A floodlit match at the Rudolf-Haribig-Stadion is always something special. Darmstadt 98 are aiming to take three points back to southern Hesse this Friday evening (February 27th). Kick-off is at 6:30pm. All the important information about the 24th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga is clearly summarised for you in our "Matchday Guide".
Facts & Stats: The top facts about the Dresden game
Darmstadt 98 aim to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games in Friday evening's match against Dynamo Dresden. While Darmstadt's potent attack has resulted in a respectable goal tally, they are wary at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. The Saxons have been on an upward trend since the winter break and will have a vociferous home crowd behind them. We've compiled all the facts and figures surrounding this clash in this report. Here you'll find the key facts for tomorrow's match.
Fan Information for the Dresden Game
Darmstadt and Dresden are 598 kilometres apart. On Friday evening (February 27th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the Saxon capital for the 24th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga. The next away game will take place under the floodlights at the historic Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. You can find all relevant fan information here.
„Pure football romance“
Before SV Darmstadt 98 plays under floodlights in Dresden on Friday evening (27.02/18.30), Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference about the strengths of Dynamo Dresden and the special atmosphere in the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
“Now I’m happy in Darmstadt!” | Lilies launch their 5th tree planting campaign
Raoul Petretta joined SV Darmstadt 98 in the winter and already feels very much at home. He talks about his arrival and his goals. Besides their sporting focus, the Lilies are also committed to sustainability: On March 15, 2026, over 3,500 trees will be planted as part of the fifth "In the Sign of the Lily" tree-planting campaign. In our "Lilies Across the Board" section, we provide you with the most important news from SV Darmstadt 98 every week.
Opposition Check: SG Dynamo Dresden
Numerous Dynamo Dresden fans flock to the stadium on home match days. But one day, they came for a single reason: What should their stadium be called in the future? Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, ready to cast their votes. In cooperation with regional partners, Dynamo Dresden's management took the unusual step of letting the club's supporters decide for themselves.
5th Tree Planting Campaign: Register now!
WirLilien – Together for nature conservation! Together with our partner Krombacher, we will once again plant more than 3,500 trees on Sunday (March 15th) – under the banner of the Lily. You can still register for the event at short notice.
U21: With renewed energy into the rest of the season
On Friday (February 27th, 7:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team begins the second phase of their Hessenliga season. With 23 points after 20 matchdays, the Lilies are currently in 14th place. Following intensive weeks of winter training, the team aims to start the upcoming challenges with renewed energy and secure crucial points.