Despite a valiant effort and several chances, SV Darmstadt 98 lost 2-0 to SC Paderborn. The Lilies still finish the season in fifth place. However, the main focus of the match for Darmstadt was the farewell to club legend Fabian Holland. What did the coaches and players have to say about this afternoon's game? We've compiled their reactions.
“We had two goals today: We wanted to give our club legend Fabain Holland the appropriate setting, a fitting farewell. We more than succeeded. I saw a team that gave their all. We played the way Fabi played his entire career. We left everything we had on the pitch. For me, Fabi is a Darmstadt legend, an absolute role model, and a true team player, not just when things are going well for him. I’m incredibly happy for him that, despite his injury in Karlsruhe, he was still able to end this remarkable career of 319 competitive appearances for one club in such a way. Hats off to Fabi.
But we also desperately wanted to win this game. We had to replace an incredible number of players. What I take away from the last third of the season is that we have an incredibly strong team, always ready to fight against adversity. We will learn from the fact that we didn’t achieve better results in the final third of the season this year. But overall, I have to say: huge respect to the team and the staff.” Anyone who has followed us throughout the season knows the passion and the footballing experiences we’ve had. This doesn’t blind us to the fact that some things need improvement, but it was a fantastic season for the Lilies. Many thanks to everyone who was a part of it.
„Congratulations to Darmstadt on a great season. The game was a tough nut to crack, and the early goal certainly helped. Especially in games like this, where you have to win, your mental game is crucial. And an early goal like that can be liberating. Then we had to weather a few difficult moments. In the end, luck was on our side, and it doesn’t really matter how we won, because we won. In these situations, it’s often not about how we won, but about the points. It definitely wasn’t easy here. Despite all the absences, you could see the quality Darmstadt possesses, because they played a really good game.“
…about the game
„We really wanted to win this game for Fabi, but we didn’t manage it. I was very pleased with the team today, though, but it’s another game that’s symptomatic of the last nine matches. We had enough chances to win and conceded very little at the back. We did everything we could to win today, the lads gave it their all, but unfortunately, it just didn’t go our way.“
…about the season
„Up until March, we did everything a team needs to do to compete at the top. The last nine games aren’t up to our standards. We don’t want to sugarcoat anything, because overall it was a successful season, but we just couldn’t bring our best performance to the pitch after March. Now we’re analysing why things went the way they did, but we won’t carry this hangover into preseason training. We’ll put it behind us, learn from it, and look ahead. My final conclusion is: It was a great season, but there was more potential.“
„I’ve noticed the excitement building over the past few days. I’ve already been able to enjoy it a little, but today was a lot to take in. I think it will only really sink in over the next few days what’s happened here. Standing up there with the fans, looking into the eyes of family and friends, is incredibly emotional. Seeing everything that’s been done for me is a huge expression of appreciation. It definitely brings tears to my eyes. Even though we would have loved to win, it was a wonderful day for me. It makes you realise that twelve years is an enormous amount of time, and I’ve also played a part in what we’ve built here. I feel that, and I’m very grateful for it.
I’ll definitely be coming back here more often. You’ll certainly see me in the South Stand sometime. This year has shown that we can be a solid team in the league and that we can always challenge for promotion. The club is very stable and is doing excellent work.“
They tried everything, but the goal just wouldn't come: Darmstadt lost 2-0 (1-0) to SC Paderborn. This means SV 98 finishes the 2025/26 season in fifth place with 52 points. Fabian Holland played 69 minutes in his final match for Darmstadt.
The last home game of the 2025/26 season – and a very special one at that. Fabian Holland will lead the team onto the pitch as captain in his 319th and final competitive match. He replaces Raoul Petretta in the SV 98 starting eleven. Furthermore, Florian Kohfeldt has selected Aleksandar Vukotic, who starts in place of the injured Patric Pfeiffer, and Sergio Lopez, who starts in place of Yosuke Furukawa, for the 34th matchday of the second division. Bartosz Bialek is unavailable for selection due to a foot injury.
One last time! One more football match this season, one last time at the Bölle, and one last time with Fabian Holland. On matchday 34, SV Darmstadt 98 will face SC Paderborn on Sunday (May 17th, 3:30pm). Who will referee the match? Where will it be broadcast? And will the sun be shining? You'll find all the answers as usual in "Matchday Guide" – clearly presented with everything you need to know about the matchday.
What about Fabian Holland's availability? What makes number 32 a true Darmstadt legend? How does Florian Kohfeldt view Sunday afternoon's match (May 17th, 3:30pm) against SC Paderborn? And what grade would he give the 2025/26 season? Many questions, detailed answers. We've compiled the most important statements from Darmstadt's head coach at Friday's (May 15th) press conference for you.
SV 98 will bid farewell to a total of six players around the time of their final home game against SC Paderborn (May 17th/3:30pm).
The situation is almost unique: 2nd place – 59 points, 3rd place – 59 points, 4th place – 59 points. Three teams are tied on points in the fight for direct promotion, and this is on the final matchday. Elversberg, Hannover, and then Darmstadt's opponent SC Paderborn: currently, goal difference will decide promotion, relegation play-offs, and the unenviable fourth place.
The season is drawing to a close, but there's still plenty going on around the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The ball is still rolling, and for the young Lilies, even a little longer. And with the Heinerfest in July and the club's anniversary in May, there's plenty to celebrate. You can also read Fabian Holland's words from his last media briefing and find out how you might help some of the Lilies' professionals receive an award. All this and a bit more can be found here in "Lilien Across the Board" at the usual time and place.
On Sunday afternoon (May 17th/3:30pm) SV Darmstadt 98 will host the team from SC Paderborn and asks you to take note of the following information.
A special Sunday awaits spectators at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Not only because SC Paderborn is still fighting for promotion and SV Darmstadt 98 wants to secure their fifth place in the table, but also because Fabian Holland will be playing his last game for the Lilies. We've compiled all the facts and figures about the clash between the teams from southern Hesse and East Westphalia for you here. Here you'll find the top facts about the match on Sunday (May 17th/3:30pm).
Our premium partner ENTEGA is once again providing unique stadium experiences this season. For every home game, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP lounge. The application deadline for the match against Paderborn is Thursday (May 14th) at 12 noon.
Upward trend! On Saturday (May 9th/3pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted FSV Fernwald in the Lotto Hessenliga for the 30th matchday. Still embroiled in the fight to avoid relegation, the young Lilies secured three crucial points. They triumphed 4-1 over Fernwald – a victory that was particularly well-deserved in the final stages. This means the U21 team has won three of their last four league matches.
A draw in Münster. SV Darmstadt 98 and SC Preußen Münster played to a 1-1 draw in their final away match of the season. While Darmstadt remain in fifth place with 52 points, the draw confirms Preußen Münster's relegation to the 3. Liga. We've gathered all the post-match reactions for you.