The match was billed as a top game, and Darmstadt lived up to the billing from the outset. Two early goals put SV 98 on the right track, and the team from southern Hesse had already established a three-goal lead before halftime. With this comfortable advantage, they didn't let up in the second half, and Luca Marseiler capped off their performance with a fourth goal shortly before the final whistle. What did the key players have to say about the 90 minutes at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor? We've compiled all the post-match reactions.
„We were tense before the game. The early goal obviously helped us. The 2-0 came at just the right time. And in the second half, we played extremely maturely and consistently. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for us. That was a very convincing performance from my team today. Regarding Kaiserslautern: When you have an injury like Prtajin’s, it does affect a team, you have to be honest about that. Overall, though, it was a deserved victory against a very good team. From now on, we’re focusing on Braunschweig.“
„Congratulations to Darmstadt on their well-deserved victory. Darmstadt 98 were superior to us in every aspect today. If we start a game like that, we’re quickly on the losing end. None of us implemented anything we had discussed before the match. We showed absolutely nothing of what it would have taken to win here in Darmstadt. And we showed absolutely nothing of what makes FCK special. We played against a team that truly functions as a unit and also plays good football. Everything clicked for them.“
„Things went brilliantly today. We won 4-0, executed our plan perfectly, and, most importantly, played a fantastic first half. I found out last night that I’d be starting today. Of course, I was a little nervous before this top-of-the-table clash against Kaiserslautern. But overall, I was more excited. Playing longer and scoring a goal right away was an amazing feeling, and the goal was a real confidence booster. Even better, though, is that I was able to contribute to our victory with that goal. For my goal, I received a great cross from Fraser, was well-positioned, and got my foot to it. The interplay with him worked really well. We knew that Kaiserslautern defends very aggressively and that we’d be in a lot of one-on-one situations. I tried to act as a target man and open up space for Fraser. That worked out quite well.“
„That was a fantastic game from start to finish. We achieved exactly what we wanted: a win, and we played some attractive football to boot. We’re still unbeaten at home – it couldn’t be better. The plan was to show that we’re a force to be reckoned with at home. We’re simply functioning well as a team in every aspect. The best proof of that is how we compensated for Isac’s absence. A huge shout-out to Fynn, who had an outstanding game. Today was an exceptional team performance overall. Being top of the table is a wonderful snapshot in time. It gives us a lot of confidence. But what’s important is how we approach the next few games. The atmosphere today was incredible. The fans are always behind us. It was a perfect day for Darmstadt.“
Regarding his goal:
I was pretty free and showed good instinct (laughs). I was in the right place and I’m very happy that it worked out offensively.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.