13 points from the first six games? Only 45 years ago did the Lilies start a second-division season better. Moreover, SV Darmstadt 98 have had quite successful matches against Dynamo Dresden in the past. But the Saxons are taking great pleasure in scoring twice on the road this season and seem to have a preference for top-placed teams. Ahead of SV 98's home game against SG Dynamo Dresden (September 26th, 6:30pm), we've compiled the facts and figures for you.
In the 2025/26 season, Darmstadt 98 has already collected 13 points from their first six second-division matches. They last achieved this in their promotion campaign three years ago. The Lilies only had a better start to a second-division season in 1980.
The newly promoted team from Dresden has proven to be a tough opponent for the teams in the top half of the table. Recently, SGD put up a tough fight against Hannover 96. Despite being outnumbered, Dynamo fought back to a 2-2 away draw. The Saxons‘ match against Bielefeld went even better. At Arminia, Dresden secured their first and so far only win of the season. Both Hannover and Bielefeld were top of the table at those times. In addition, the Black and Yellows drew with Elversberg on matchday five. The fact is: Dynamo Dresden have only scored points against teams that were high up at the time.
In the first six matchdays, Lilien goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen has already kept three clean sheets – 1-0 in Nürnberg, 0-0 against Hertha, and last weekend’s 3-0 win against Fortuna Düsseldorf. No other goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets this season. But Schuhen could have a lot of work ahead of him against Dresden. SGD has scored twice in every away game this season – six away goals is the second-best record in the league, with only Fürth scoring more goals away from home. But back to the Lilien’s number one: Schuhen particularly enjoys playing against the Saxons. The SVD goalkeeper has already faced Dynamo six times in the 2. Bundesliga, celebrating six wins – four of them with clean sheets.
In October 2024, SV Darmstadt 98 played against SGD for the last time. The two teams met in Dresden in the second round of the DFB-Pokal. And the clash was a spectacular one. Despite being two goals down, the then third-division team managed to force extra time thanks to a brace from Jakob Lemmer. In extra time, Isac Lidberg led the Lilies to a 3-2 cup victory with his celebrated winner. It was Darmstadt’s fifth consecutive competitive win over Dresden.
SG Dynamo Dresden seems to be something of a favourite opponent for the Lilies anyway. In their last seven matches against the Black and Yellows, the Darmstadt team has won six and drawn one. Dynamo has been a particularly welcome guest at Böllenfalltor, as Dresden has never managed to take three points from the southern Hesse side. SV 98’s record: four matches, two wins, two draws.
Paul Will played for SG Dynamo Dresden from 2020 to 2024. The defensive midfielder played 129 games for the Saxons, scoring seven goals and providing four assists.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | |
| Home | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6:3 |
| Away | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 13:8 |
| Total | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 19:11 |
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.