It's that time of year again! The Lilies will begin the first round of the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). This coming Saturday (August 16th, 6pm), SV 98 will face regional league side VfB Lübeck. Before kickoff at the Lohmühle Stadium, we'll reveal some interesting facts and figures: What are the cup histories of both teams? And which of the 98ers' squad has the most experience in domestic cup competitions? Together with you, we'll take a look at the top facts about the match.
When VfB Lübeck and SV Darmstadt 98 meet in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Saturday (August 16th), it will be a historic event: This will be the first time the two clubs have faced each other in a competitive match. However, a trip to the far north is nothing new for the Lilies. In the recent past of the competition, the South Hesse team has had to compete in the northern states several times. Just last season, their journey took them to Hamburg to face Teutonia Ottensen in the first round, before an away match at SV Werder Bremen in the round of 16.
VfB Lübeck’s first DFB-Pokal match took place in the 1954/55 season. Back then, the northern Germans won 2-1 after extra time away at Spandauer SV. In their cup history, the team has scored 54 goals to date. The top scorers are Dennis Kruppke and Ferydoon Zandi with three goals each, followed by Daniel Bärwolf, Jens Scharping, Lutz Schwerinski and Peter Perlmann, who each scored twice. In addition, 13 goals were scored in penalty shootouts. Nine matches were decided in extra time, four of which VfB won and five went to their opponents. Four times the match went to penalties, with Lübeck winning only once and losing three times. The record holder for DFB-Pokal appearances is Lübeck’s former midfielder Markus Kullig with 13 matches.
VfB Lübeck’s most successful cup season to date dates back to the 2003/04 season. In the opening round, the Lübeck team beat Eintracht Rheine 2-0 after extra time. Another thriller followed in the second round: VfB again won in extra time against FC St. Pauli, this time 3-2. The round of 16 saw the northern Germans face Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, who they defeated 1-0 at their home stadium at the Lohmühle. In the quarterfinals, Lübeck prevailed against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, before losing 3-2 in extra time in the semifinals to eventual champions SV Werder Bremen.
The 2003/04 cup season, in particular, is likely still fondly remembered by Lübeck fans. Back then, VfB delivered a moment of sporting glory. The present, however, is more sober: Lübeck has been a fixture in the fourth-highest division of German football for over a decade. Exceptions are the 2013/14 season in the Schleswig-Holstein League and the 2020/21 and 2023/24 seasons in the 3. Liga. Otherwise, the Schleswig-Holsteiners have been a familiar face in the Regionalliga Nord for decades. The start to the current season has been rather rocky: After three matches, VfB is in 13th place in the table with one win and two losses.
VfB Lübeck has one thing ahead of the Lilies: In their long DFB-Pokal history, the Darmstadt team has never made it past the quarterfinals. The South Hesse club celebrated their greatest success in the 1987/88 season, when they reached the quarterfinals under coach Eckhard Krautzun. However, they were eliminated there after a 1-0 defeat to Hamburger SV. SV 98 has qualified for the round of 16 eight times, most recently in the 2024/25 season. The Lilies first prevailed against Teutonia Ottensen and Dynamo Dresden before being eliminated in the round of 16 by Werder Bremen.
Fabian Holland has the most cup experience for SV Darmstadt 98 in the current squad. The defender has already made an impressive 16 appearances for the Lilies in the DFB Cup. With another appearance this weekend, he would overtake Tobias Kempe (also 16 appearances). Dieter Rudolf and Edwin Westenberger are the leaders for the South Hesse club in this category. They have played 20 times for SV 98 in the DFB Cup. Willi Wagner (19 appearances) and Oliver Posniak (17 appearances) are also ahead of Fabian Holland and Tobias Kempe.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
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.
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.
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.
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: