SV Darmstadt 98 remains undefeated and, after two opening wins, picks up a point against Hertha BSC: The Lilies drew 0-0 with the promotion favourites from the capital. What did the Darmstadt players say about the hard-fought 90 minutes at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor? What do both head coaches think of the game? We've compiled all the comments on the match for you.
„It was a game that should never have ended 0-0. But it certainly wasn’t a boring afternoon. We were a bit surprised at the beginning that Hertha was sitting so compact and deep. Accordingly, we had to change our strategy and relied more on deep runs and shifts away from the ball. That put us in a few situations. Overall, however, we had problems gaining defensive control on the wing in the 4-2-3-1. After switching to a back three, we were the better team and more courageous going forward, creating more chances. We had great chances through Bartosz Bialek, which Tjark Ernst saved superbly. In the final minute, we were lucky that Fabian Reese didn’t score. The scene showed that defending Hertha’s quality for 90 minutes is one of the toughest tasks in the 2. Bundesliga. Despite the last chance, we put in a good to very good performance. Either team could have won the game, even though I thought we had one or two more chances. We’ve had a very good start to the season. Now we’re looking forward to the duel at the Betzenberg.“
„I honestly don’t know exactly what to make of the 0-0 draw. Overall, I’m satisfied with our performance. It was our best performance of the season against a very strong and versatile opponent. We got off to a good start, initially relinquished control, and didn’t want to give the opponent any space to make deep runs. We ourselves played well. However, you still have to pay attention to Darmstadt’s individual quality and their set pieces. After the break, we were stable until the Lilies switched to a back three. After that, we initially struggled to adjust. Nevertheless, the boys defended everything and had some good chances going forward. Then we had two great chances: Tjark Ernst made an excellent save, and at the other, Fabian Reese nearly landed a lucky punch that we would have liked to have taken. Ultimately, our performance gives us confidence for the challenges ahead.“
„It was the tough game we expected, even if Hertha didn’t start quite as well as we did. You could see the individual quality Hertha brought. The game was a bit strange, it went back and forth. When it ends 3-3, no one complains. Usually, Fabian Reese scores his big chance just before the end. If we take our chances, the game can end differently – so I think it’s a fair point split. We wanted to keep the three points here, which unfortunately we didn’t manage. But fundamentally, we’ll take the point and not let our heads hang. In the end, you could definitely see that we still have energy to play on. Our pressing was also really good today.“
„Hertha sat very deep today and showed respect for us – you have to work for that. We pushed through our game, had good set pieces, and hardly conceded anything. Defensively, we were great, and I thought Mey Papela played a top game at right back today. The three-man defence allowed the defenders to defend forward, which made things a little easier for the defensive midfielders. After that, Hertha didn’t have much. That shows that we can play both systems. It was important for us that we didn’t lose our heads. Apart from the last move with Reese, we remained very stable against a good counter-attacking team. We wanted to win this game, and it showed. In the end, though, we take the point and the result. It was a better 0-0 today because we tried everything. We’ve got a good points average so far and are one round further in the cup – so we’re all happy.“
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: