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.“
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: