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 
„We want to continue this path in Karlsruhe“
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
Fan Information for the Karlsruhe Game
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
The largest team photo in the history of the Lilien enters its second round
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
Facts & Figures: The Top Facts before the Karlsruhe Game
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
Stolperstein tour commemorates Jewish club members
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
New breadth for the future and commemorating the past
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Secure your tickets now: Home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on general sale.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
Well-deserved victory for the Young Lilies
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
With the right mindset and positive development
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor-GOAL-Bonus
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
„Didn’t lose our heads after falling behind early“
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: