18.06.2024 / English
Karol Niemczycki in Portrait
The fourth newcomer for the 2024/25 season is goalkeeper Karol Niemczycki. The 24-year-old already has a lot of international experience, in addition to the Polish first division, Karol has already played in the Netherlands and with Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2nd Bundesliga. We took a closer look at our new keeper and would like to introduce you to Karol.
Good communication is part of the basic repertoire for every modern goalkeeper, but being able to make announcements in three languages is something special. The new SVD keeper can claim exactly that. He speaks both Polish and English, and has been able to speak German for over a year now. Karol Niemczycki was born in Krakow and played for several Polish clubs in his youth. In 2017, the goalkeeper moved abroad and moved to NAC Breda in the Netherlands. Here he took up the Dutch language; some of his instructions were given twice and in two languages. After two years, the 1.90 meter tall goalkeeper returned home. In an interview conducted by the Polish Football Association PZPN after winning the quarter-finals in the domestic cup competition of the 2021/22 season, he said: “I have already gotten used to changing languages on the field. That’s not a big problem for me.“ says Karol. He has now thrown the Dutch language overboard in order to be able to focus fully on the German language.
In the summer of 2023, he took another step into a new country; in Düsseldorf, the 24-year-old played in the 2nd Bundesliga and was also able to play between the posts in two DFB Cup games. Now comes the next step for the Pole. “I mainly need good people around me to feel good.” “It can be friends, family as well as teammates,” says Karol with regard to another change of scenery. “I had very good discussions with those responsible, I’m really looking forward to getting things started here,” says Niemczycki, looking forward to his time with the Lilies.
Karol has already been able to spend time with the Polish national team, and it is a special honour for him to train with players like Wojciech Szczęsny. But what type of player is Karol? „I’m more of a calm, level-headed type.“ I think if you look at the current top goalkeepers like Ter Stegen, Alisson or Thibaut Courtois, there is a change in the goalkeeping game. “Keepers like Oliver Kahn were more in the “crazy” category,” says the new SVD keeper about his goalkeeping game. The fans can be all the louder and crazier, Niemczycki is enthusiastic about the full stadiums in the 2nd Bundesliga: “Every stadium is full, the atmosphere is great, you don’t get that in every country.”
Welcome to Darmstadt, Karol!
Matchday Guide: All Information for the Dresden Game
A floodlit match at the Rudolf-Haribig-Stadion is always something special. Darmstadt 98 are aiming to take three points back to southern Hesse this Friday evening (February 27th). Kick-off is at 6:30pm. All the important information about the 24th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga is clearly summarised for you in our "Matchday Guide".
Facts & Stats: The top facts about the Dresden game
Darmstadt 98 aim to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games in Friday evening's match against Dynamo Dresden. While Darmstadt's potent attack has resulted in a respectable goal tally, they are wary at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. The Saxons have been on an upward trend since the winter break and will have a vociferous home crowd behind them. We've compiled all the facts and figures surrounding this clash in this report. Here you'll find the key facts for tomorrow's match.
Fan Information for the Dresden Game
Darmstadt and Dresden are 598 kilometres apart. On Friday evening (February 27th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the Saxon capital for the 24th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga. The next away game will take place under the floodlights at the historic Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. You can find all relevant fan information here.
„Pure football romance“
Before SV Darmstadt 98 plays under floodlights in Dresden on Friday evening (27.02/18.30), Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference about the strengths of Dynamo Dresden and the special atmosphere in the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
“Now I’m happy in Darmstadt!” | Lilies launch their 5th tree planting campaign
Raoul Petretta joined SV Darmstadt 98 in the winter and already feels very much at home. He talks about his arrival and his goals. Besides their sporting focus, the Lilies are also committed to sustainability: On March 15, 2026, over 3,500 trees will be planted as part of the fifth "In the Sign of the Lily" tree-planting campaign. In our "Lilies Across the Board" section, we provide you with the most important news from SV Darmstadt 98 every week.
Opposition Check: SG Dynamo Dresden
Numerous Dynamo Dresden fans flock to the stadium on home match days. But one day, they came for a single reason: What should their stadium be called in the future? Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, ready to cast their votes. In cooperation with regional partners, Dynamo Dresden's management took the unusual step of letting the club's supporters decide for themselves.
5th Tree Planting Campaign: Register now!
WirLilien – Together for nature conservation! Together with our partner Krombacher, we will once again plant more than 3,500 trees on Sunday (March 15th) – under the banner of the Lily. You can still register for the event at short notice.
U21: With renewed energy into the rest of the season
On Friday (February 27th, 7:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team begins the second phase of their Hessenliga season. With 23 points after 20 matchdays, the Lilies are currently in 14th place. Following intensive weeks of winter training, the team aims to start the upcoming challenges with renewed energy and secure crucial points.
Analysis of the home victory: The resistance fighters from Bölle
A fast-paced, thrilling exchange between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf reached its ecstatic climax in the 88th minute. Thanks to Matej Maglica's header, Darmstadt secured a 2-1 victory in a wild battle that resembled a 12-round boxing match, with both sides neglecting their defences and constantly searching for the next hook or punch. A day later, sv98.de looks back on what was probably the most exciting home game of the season so far for the South Hessian side.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor GOAL bonus
For every home goal scored by the Lilies, SV Darmstadt 98 fans will be doubly rewarded in the 2025/26 season. In addition to the joy and excitement, the Lilies' supporters will also receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
„We held onto the belief in victory until the very end.“
In an intense 90 minutes between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf, the Lilies fought back to secure three points shortly before the final whistle. The early lead taken by the team from southern Hesse was quickly erased by the Rhinelanders. The match became increasingly wild and physical. The second half remained evenly contested, but in the end, SV 98 once again demonstrated their fighting spirit: Matej Maglica's late header sealed the three points. What do the players and the two head coaches have to say about this thrilling encounter? We've compiled all the post-match reactions.
Home win! Impressive winning streak continues at Bölle
SV Darmstadt 98 remain a force to be reckoned with at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! The Lilies defeated Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-1 (1-1) on matchday 23. It's their sixth consecutive home win, bringing their total to 45 points. Hornby opened the scoring for the home side after just seven minutes, before Maglica (88th minute) netted the decisive goal in the second half.