Fotos: Tom Sauels 04.05.2026 / English
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.
Missed halftime lead
Just minutes after the final whistle, Paul Fernie faced the challenge in a TV interview with Sky, tasked with putting the current phase of the season into the overall context: „Overall, we have to consider the season a success. But of course, we’ve had a dip in form since the international break in March, and that came at the worst possible time,“ the 39-year-old summarised, adding, with regard to the long wait for an away win: „With this away record, you’re not at the top of the table, and rightly so.“
Indeed, Darmstadt could have easily won the match against Karlsruhe. Particularly in the first half, despite significant personnel problems, SV 98 controlled the game and missed several opportunities to take the lead. „We were spared, let’s call it that,“ summarised an honest KSC head coach Eichner, referring to the clear-cut chances for Marco Richter, Hiroki Akiyama, and a highly debatable penalty area incident in which Isac Lidberg was brought down by Karlsruhe’s goalkeeper Bernat. All Darmstadt players agreed that a halftime lead was not only possible but practically essential. Nevertheless, the teams went into the dressing rooms goalless.
"Symbol of the past weeks"
After the break, the hosts grew stronger, and SV 98, with many players forced to play in unfamiliar positions, found themselves trailing after just under an hour. Darmstadt’s response, in the form of Isac Lidberg’s leveller (his 16th goal of the season), was further proof of the character of the South Hessians. „I take my hat off to the fact that we came back after being 1-0 down,“ said Kohfeldt, who praised his team’s „heart“ but then had to watch as Karlsruhe snatched victory from the jaws of defeat shortly before the final whistle. „We gave it our all, everyone threw themselves into it, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough today either. That’s emblematic of the past few weeks,“ lamented Kai Klefisch after the match, without letting the recent results cloud his overall view of the season so far: „The disappointment over the past few weeks is huge. Nevertheless, we’ve had a top season overall. And there are still two games left in which we’ll give everything and try to earn our luck again.“
Teammate Raoul Petretta also focused on the two remaining matches: „It’s important to finish the season on a positive note. We want to win more games for all the fans, for everyone at the club, and of course for ourselves.“
"We absolutely want to stay fifth"
With 51 points, Darmstadt 98 sit in fifth place after 32 matchdays. „We absolutely want to stay there,“ emphasised coach Florian Kohfeldt, referring to their three-point lead over sixth-placed Hertha BSC. „If we finish in the top third of the table, then it will have been a top season in terms of the standings as well.“
With precisely this mixture of disappointment over the past few weeks and pride in the entire season, Darmstadt will approach their remaining two matches in Münster and against SC Paderborn. And it was already clear on Sunday afternoon: Darmstadt 98 will do everything to end this season on a high note. It would be the perfect conclusion to what has been a largely very positive season.
Quote of the day:
The disappointment over the past few weeks is huge. Nevertheless, we've had a fantastic season overall. And there are still two games left where we'll give it our all and try to earn our luck again.
Fotos: Tom Sauels 
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.
Facts & Stats: The top facts about the KSC game
Lilies at the Wildpark! SV Darmstadt 98 will be playing away against Karlsruher SC this coming Sunday (May 3rd/1:30pm) for the 32nd matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. Will Darmstadt's positive record from recent encounters continue? Will Florian Kohfeldt and Isac Lidberg extend their scoring streak against KSC? And will Fabian Schleusener finally stop scoring against SV 98? We've compiled all the facts and figures for you.
Fan Information for the KSC game
SV Darmstadt 98 will be playing away against Karlsruher SC on Sunday (May 3rd/1:30pm) at the Wildpark Stadium for the 32nd matchday. To ensure you are well prepared for your trip to KSC, here is a summary of all the important information for your visit to the stadium.