Figures and Facts: The Top Facts for the Nürnberg Game

…the games between SV Darmstadt 98 and 1. FC Nürnberg have never ended. Goals were scored in all 32 duels against each other. In the first half of the season, the teams tied 1-1 after goals from Isac Lidberg (SV 98) and Michal Sevcik (FCN). Good omen for the Lilies: Three of the last four away games in the Max Morlock Stadium went to the South Hesse team.

…The club has great opportunities this season. Former striker Miroslav Klose’s team has a total of 35, only Magdeburg has more in the current season (40). Darmstadt, on the other hand, is in third place with 34 dangerous shots, just behind FCN. However, the Lilies scored the second most goals in the league (38). Only Hamburger SV is better here (43). In addition, only 1. FC Köln brought the ball into the opponent’s box more often (322) than SV 98 (291).

…is an important part of both clubs. While Nürnberg is the team with the strongest duels in the 2nd Bundesliga with 51.5 percent duels won, Darmstadt has the best player record in the league with Aleksandar Vukotic (72.6 percent duels won). The giant (2.01 meters) also won an impressive 85 percent of his aerial duels.

The Lilies could also face some former players on Friday (January 31st/6:30 p.m.) – three to be precise. Benjamin Goller came to SV 98 as a loan player in 2021 and played twelve competitive games for the South Hesse team. During his time at SV Darmstadt, the right winger collected a total of 2 goals and an assist. The former Darmstadt number one, Christian Mathenia, will be in the stadium, but will probably take a seat on the bench. He looked after the goal for SV 98 for two years and played 71 competitive games for the Lilies. Julian Justvan is probably a very familiar face among Lily fans. The 26-year-old came to SV Darmstadt on loan during the winter break last Bundesliga season. The offensive player collected 2 goals and 2 assists in 14 Bundesliga games.

Conversely, the Lilies have a trio with FCN past in their squad. In the 2016/17 season, Tobias Kempe played for “Der Club” before moving back to Bölle. Philipp Förster also has a Nürnberg past. Although he never played for the professionals there, he still made four appearances for the FCN amateurs. A special moment awaits Fabian Nürnberger, who returns to the Max Morlock Stadium for the first time. The 25-year-old wore the FCN jersey for five years. During his time there, he played 108 games and scored 15 goals with the professionals. A particularly fond memory of his stay there was his brace in the relegation game against FC Ingolstadt in 2019/20.

Kai Klefisch and Fabian Nürnberger have to be careful on the Lilies side. Both still go into the game with four yellow cards each. A further caution would mean a ban in the following game.