Foto: SV 98 11.04.2026 / English
First Home Defeat of the Season
Everything has to end and so the undefeated home record of SV 98 ended on Saturday night. Hannover 96 triumphed 2-0 (1-0) to hand the Lilies their first home loss of the season at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
In the opening minutes of Saturday evening’s top match, neither Darmstadt nor their visitors from Hannover managed any significant shots on goal. Hannover registered the first shot of the game after 14 minutes and promptly took the lead: Neubauer fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area, finding the far corner of the net.
Hannover had the next chances as well, but first the Darmstadt defence blocked Neubauer’s shot for a corner on 21 minutes, then Marcel Schuhen saved an attempt by Källmann just 3 minutes later. Darmstadt finally threatened the goal in the 29th minute, but Fynn Lakenmacher’s powerful effort flew wide of the left post.
From the 30th minute onward, the team from southern Hesse gained more control of the game and gradually threatened the goal. Patric Pfeiffer tried his luck from distance, but his effort didn’t seriously trouble goalkeeper Noll with 34 minutes played.
Just before the halftime whistle, the visitors threatened again, but Schuhen saved Källmann’s attempt with his foot. So, after 45 minutes, SV 98 went into the break trailing by a single goal.
After the restart, the game was evenly matched for long stretches, but neither side created any clear-cut chances. However, just as in the first half, the visitors capitalised on their first opportunity of the half: After a quickly taken free kick, Thordarson’s initial shot was saved by Marcel Schuhen, but he nodded the rebound into the net after 57 minutes.
The 98ers struggled to find solutions against the well-organised visitors and thus rarely threatened. With a good 15 minutes remaining, Fraser Hornby found himself in a promising position after a cross from Sergio López, but he didn’t connect cleanly with the ball.
Eight minutes later, Fynn Lakenmacher got his head to the ball, but his effort lacked power. The introduction of Yosuke Furukawa gave some impetus, but after his initial dribble, his shot was too central and easily saved by the keeper with 6 minutes remaining. In the second minute of added time, Hornby came close to pulling one back, but his header only struck the crossbar.
Pictures from the Game
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
„Hannover was better overall“
For the first time this season, SV Darmstadt 98 finished a match at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor without any points. The Lilies offered more resistance to Hannover 96's two goals in the second half. However, the pressure exerted by the South Hessians at the end proved fruitless. Read here what the players and both head coaches had to say about the defeat, which Darmstadt considered deserved overall.
Team News: Three Changes to the Team
Another top match at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. On matchday 29 (April 11th/8:30pm), Hannover 96 visits Darmstadt. For the clash with their direct league rivals, Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting eleven. The suspended Lidberg and Klefisch are replaced by Lakenmacher and Papela, and Niklas Schmidt comes in for Marco Richter. Bartosz Bialek returns to the Darmstadt 98 matchday squad for the first time this calendar year after recovering from injury.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
Once again at 8:30pm, floodlights, top match, and at the Bölle! On Saturday (April 11th/8:30pm), Hannover 96 visits Darmstadt, and once again two teams from the top five meet at Nieder-Ramstädter-Straße. What do the two head coaches have to say before the match? Who will be the referee? And who will be the commentator? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the game against the Lower Saxony side for you in "Matchday Compact."
‚A maximally cool situation‘
Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference ahead of the match against Hannover 96 (April 11th/8:30pm) about the fast-paced first game, the strong opponent, and the squad. We've compiled the most important statements from our head coach for you.
Lilies support the „HEART SAFE“ initiative
At their home game on Saturday (April 11th, 8:30pm) at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, SV Darmstadt 98 will send an important message. Together with the Björn Steiger Foundation and the German Heart Foundation, the club will promote the HERZSICHER (Heart Safe) initiative. The initiative aims to empower as many people as possible to perform CPR in the event of cardiac arrest through free 60-minute resuscitation courses. The German Football Association (DFB) is a cooperation partner.
At Bölle: ‚Lionel Richie Tribute Night‘ with Jimmie Wilson
An evening full of classics: At the "Lionel Richie Tribute Night" on June 27, 2026 (Saturday evening, doors open at 8:30pm), Jimmie Wilson will bring the greatest hits of the American soul singer live to the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. A concert evening presented by SV Darmstadt 98 Stadion GmbH in a special atmosphere – whether for singing along, dancing, or simply enjoying the music.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
“A colourful house, a monkey, and a horse” – Pippi Longstocking isn't the only one with these mascots; these two animal friends also feature in the mascot history of Hannover 96. The club has been supported by many different animals in the past, including a monkey and a horse.
Organisational information for the Hannover game / Restrictions in tram services
On Saturday evening (April 11th/8:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will host the team from Hannover 96 and asks you to take note of the following information.
Facts and Stats: The Stats Ahead of the Hannover Game
SV Darmstadt 98 aims to extend their home record. However, the task ahead is a tough one: As the league's best home team, the Lilies host Hannover 96, the second-best away team and also their direct rivals in the standings. Both teams are deservedly in the top third of the table, having impressed both offensively and defensively. We've compiled all the key facts and figures for Saturday evening's second division clash. Here you'll find the top facts about the match between the team from southern Hesse and the Lower Saxony side.
A message from Paul: „All together for Darmstadt 98“
“Fernie becomes sporting director at SV 98” – SV Darmstadt 98 made this announcement exactly two years ago today, on April 8, 2024. Paul Fernie has been working as sporting director for the Lilies for two years now. In his Lilienkurier column “Post from Paul,” the 38-year-old looks back on his first two years at the Böllenfalltor stadium – words that we would also like to share with you on our homepage.
“A real treat awaits us” | Fernie celebrates its second anniversary
Looking ahead. Bielefeld is behind us, Hannover is the next target. We report from the media briefing with Marco Richter, as well as on the young Lilies and our partner club from San Antonio. This week we also celebrate the anniversary of the Lilies‘ sporting director and several birthdays. Read „Lilies Across the Board“ here.
Happy Birthday, Alfred Krämer!
SV Darmstadt 98 congratulates its honorary member Alfred Krämer on his milestone birthday. The long-time chairman of the board of directors of the Lilies celebrates his 80th birthday on April 6th. Until his voluntary retirement in 2021, Krämer served the club for nearly two decades in a leading position on the board of directors, making invaluable contributions.