The tenth in the table travels to the eighth. What at first glance sounds like a classic midfield duel could become a trend-setting game in this crazy league right at the start of the second half of the season. While Düsseldorf is only three points behind second place in the table, the Lilies could overtake Fortuna with a win. Even more interesting numbers & As always, you can find facts about the away game on Friday (January 17th/6.30pm) in our Top Facts.
Under the direction of Florian Kohfeldt, the Lilies have so far played six away games in which they scored 18 goals. An average of three goals per game. In addition, only one of the six away games was lost. Fortuna, on the other hand, has only been able to win two of its nine home games so far. Can SV 98 convince again in a foreign place?
For Aleksandar Vukotic, the first matchday against Fortuna Düsseldorf meant a rather unfavourable start to the season. The central defender used his head to direct the ball into the goal on his Lilien debut and scored Fortuna’s first goal of the season. Since then, things have been going well for “Vuko”, especially on the offensive. The giant has already netted with his head three times. No other second division defender has scored more goals than the Serb.
1988. It’s been that long since the Darmstadt team won in Düsseldorf (2-1). Fortuna’s last six home games all went to the hosts. Düsseldorf currently does not have such a series to show against any other second division team. In general, none of the 17 second division duels between both teams have ended in a draw. Fortuna was happy eleven times and SV Darmstadt six times.
Both teams use every opportunity in the league to shoot on goal. In the first half of the season, Darmstadt had the second most shots on goal (261) and Düsseldorf had the third most shots on goal (245) in the league. Only 1. FC Köln shot more often at the opponent’s goal. The Lilies use their chances much more effectively than the Fotuna, with 36 goals this season and a resulting final efficiency of +6.8. The Rhinelanders, on the other hand, only hit the opponent’s goal 28 times and therefore have a finishing efficiency of -4.7.
From the game, the Lilies are the most dangerous team in the 2nd Bundesliga. The South Hesse team scored almost twice as many goals (32) as the Düsseldorf team (18). SV 98 has to be careful, especially in set piece situations. Already in the first leg, the ball hit the box unluckily from a deflected free kick to make it 1-0. In this specialty, Fortuna has so far been significantly more successful (10) than the Lilien (4).
Kai Klefisch and Fabian Nürnberger have four yellow cards. If there is another, both players face a game ban. On the other hand, this applies to Isak Bergmann Johannesson.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Defeats | Goals | |
| Home | 11 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 11:21 |
| Away | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 9:20 |
| Total | 21 | 6 | 2 | 13 | 20:41 |
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.