A good three and a half years ago, Lilien legend Tobias Kempe scored his final goal against SSV Jahn Regensburg – a sensational curler into the top right corner. Why is that so special? Tobias Kempe will be sporting the Lily on his chest before his final home game against SSV Jahn Regensburg. On Sunday (May 18, 3:30pm), the entire Lilien family will ensure he receives the farewell he deserves. Ahead of the highly emotional final game of the 2024/25 season, we've compiled all the facts and figures for you in our "Top Facts."
Tobias Kempe has faced SSV Jahn Regensburg several times in his career: He has faced the Upper Palatinate club eleven times – seven of those matches in the Lilies jersey. In these duels, Kempe collected a total of four points – including two goals and two assists. His very first encounter with SSV Jahn dates back to September 2, 2009, when he was still playing in the 3rd division with Werder Bremen II.
SSV Jahn Regensburg isn’t going to let difficult times get the better of them – the team has shown this in recent weeks. In three of their last seven matches, the Upper Palatinate club has picked up points despite coming from behind – including a strong away performance at 1. FC Köln. A clear sign of the Regensburg team’s morale and team spirit despite their relegation already being a given.
SV Darmstadt 98 is in a better defensive position than the bare numbers suggest. Their xGoals for goals conceded are just over 44 expected goals – but the Lilies actually conceded ten more goals than statistically would have been expected. No other team in the 2. Bundesliga has been punished as effectively in front of their own goal as Darmstadt.
On paper, Regensburg goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck should have plenty to do this weekend: SV Darmstadt 98 is one of the league’s most prolific shot-prone teams – with 479 shots on goal, the Lilies are third behind Hamburger SV (487) and 1. FC Köln (539). Lilies keeper Marcel Schuhen, on the other hand, will statistically be tested less often on Sunday – but will have to be alert in the decisive moments. SSV Jahn Regensburg has the fewest shots on goal in the league – with just 366 attempts so far.
At SV Darmstadt 98, two players were particularly highlighted by their teammates this season – one up front in the finish, the other in the back in the duel. Isac Lidberg had a strong first season in the 2. Bundesliga. In 27 appearances, the Swede collected 19 points – including 14 goals and five assists – making him the Lilies‘ top scorer. Aleksandar Vukotic dominates in defense: the over two-meter-tall central defender is not only a tower in defense but also outstanding statistically. With a duel success rate of 73 percent, the Serbian is currently the player with the most duels in the league. He has also won 150 aerial duels – also a top figure in the 2. Bundesliga.
Matej Maglica (5) is out due to a yellow card suspension. Killian Corredor (4), Sergio López (4), Fraser Hornby (4), Fabian Nürnberger (4), and Kai Klefisch (4) are no longer on yellow cards, as any yellow card suspension will not carry over into the new season.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | |
| Home | 16 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 19:20 |
| Away | 18 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 19:41 |
| Overall | 34 | 8 | 8 | 18 | 38:61 |
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.