Facts & Stats: The top facts about the Dresden game

Darmstadt 98’s late winner against Fortuna Düsseldorf not only continued their unbeaten home run but also extended their unbeaten streak. The club now boasts 13 consecutive matches without a loss. The team from southern Hesse has come through some tough away games, with the next one coming up on Friday evening in a vibrant stadium. The atmosphere there is „top five in Germany,“ according to the Darmstadt head coach.

SG Dynamo Dresden has improved its quality during the winter break. This was partly due to the fact that the Saxons were bottom of the table after the first half of the season, four points behind the leaders. However, the turnaround is clearly noticeable: Dynamo is playing with more stability. In the new year, the Black and Yellows have conceded only six goals – the best record in the league. Furthermore, Thomas Stamm’s team faced a tough schedule, yet still managed to collect nine points from their last six matches.

Darmstadt have been successful in their last four away matches in Dresden. Besides the emotional cup game, which Darmstadt won in stoppage time, the Blue-Whites have also emerged victorious from their last three second-division matches at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. Nevertheless, every opponent should be wary: Dresden’s supporters often create a special atmosphere in the historic stadium, which can give the players on the pitch an extra boost.

With 44 goals scored, SV 98 boasts the best attack in the league. However, their defence also contributes significantly. Maglica’s three goals in the last two matches currently make him the most dangerous defender in the 2. Bundesliga. His defensive partner, Sergio Lopez, also provides attacking impetus. The Spaniard has set up four goals; only Hornby and Richter have more assists for Darmstadt. Furthermore, Darmstadt possesses the league’s best strike partnership in Lidberg and Hornby: together they have already beaten opposing goalkeepers 21 times.

The high goal tally can also be attributed to their attacking versatility. Florian Kohfeldt’s team scored the fourth-most goals from open play with 30, and Darmstadt also boasts the second-most goals from set pieces (14), behind only Bielefeld.

Corners, in particular, are a dangerous weapon from set pieces: Darmstadt have already scored eight times following a corner kick – the best record in the league. However, Dynamo Dresden are also among the top contenders in this statistic. The Saxons, too, pose a significant threat from corners, having scored six times from them.

Both teams consistently demonstrate excellent sportsmanship on the pitch. Darmstadt ranks 16th in the table for fouls committed against opponents, followed by Dresden. This is also reflected in the yellow card count. Darmstadt received the fewest yellow cards (38), placing them 18th in this category. Thomas Stamm’s team is currently in 15th place.