Foto: Mara Wolf 19.08.2025 / English
First defeat of the season for the U21
After a strong start to the new LOTTO Hessenliga season for the U21s, the Junglilien suffered their first point drop of the season on matchday three. In an intense and hard-fought game with plenty of tackling but few clear-cut chances, the South Hesse side ultimately failed to secure any points, losing 3-1 at home to SV Rot-Weiß Walldorf on Saturday (August 16th).
Early lead of the Lilies
The young Lilies got off to the better start and deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute: Kadrijaj scored after a successful attack to make it 1-0. But their joy was short-lived, as Walldorf took advantage of their first big opportunity in the 20th minute to equalise at 1-1. The game subsequently developed into an evenly matched affair, with heavy tackling. Shortly before the break, Darmstadt found their way back into the game and came out of the halftime break well. After the break, the Lilies pushed for another lead. A 2-1 goal was in the air several times, but the chances went unused. Instead, Walldorf struck in the 72nd minute: following a set piece, the visitors scored with a fantastic shot to make it 2-1. This goal threw Darmstadt off their rhythm.
Decision in the final phase
After falling behind, the Junglilien lost some composure, which Walldorf punished mercilessly just four minutes later. The 3-1 goal was scored in the 76th minute – the decisive moment. Despite a great effort, Darmstadt 98 were unable to pull away.
The result puts the Junglilien in seventh place in the Hessenliga after the third matchday with six points from three matches. SV 98 won’t have much time to dwell on the defeat: Next Wednesday (August 20th, 7pm), the U21 team has another chance to pick up their next points away at SV Hummetroth.
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf The defeat is a bit of a setback for us, but in the end, we'll learn from the game. We're now gathering our strength to pick up more points on Wednesday against Hummetroth.
Line-Up: Börner – Kunstmann (Zaatan, 85′), Dreskovic, Pfister, Arnold – Ballmert, Jaadar – Klappich (Mignano, 78′), Rebner (Schnerring, 85′) – Schlosser (El Idrissi, 64′), Kadrijaj
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.