Lilies celebrate their first win of the second half of the season

In the home game against FC Schalke 04, the Lilies got off to an absolute dream start and impressively shook off their goalless streak. After just three minutes, Isac Lidberg moved into the penalty area from outside and sent the ball into the far corner with a powerful shot. Just two minutes later, the Swede had his brace: Luca Marseiler played a perfect pass and Lidberg lobbed the ball into the net to make it 2-0 inside 5 minutes. The third attemptof the game also went to the home team, but Andreas Müller’s attempt flew well over the goal just 2 minutes later.

Schalke then had more possession of the ball for long stretches, but only Darmstadt had any good chances. After 21 minutes, Killian Corredor passed through to Fraser Hornby, who shot from a tight angle, but only hit the far post and the home team’s follow-up shot was also blocked.

With a strong performance and many duels won, the 98ers prevented the guests from getting good shots and so it took until the 39th minute of the game before Marcel Schuhen was called upon for the first time. He deflected Seguin’s attempt for a corner and the Lilies went into the break 2-0.

In the first few minutes after the break, the Darmstadt team rarely managed to break free from their own half, but the defence remained alert and allowed little except for a long-range shot from Grüger, 3 minutes into the half. Thanks to quick transitions, the 98ers remained the more dangerous team overall, even if they initially didn’t produce a decisive goal.

Aleksandar Vukotic had the best chance in the second half so far, but his header from a corner flew just wide of the post on 63 minutes. Seven minutes later, Hornby tried at full speed after a strong combination with fellow striker Lidberg, but the ball just missed the far post with 20 minutes remaining.

After Schalke’s Grüger were sent off for a second yellow in the 76th minute of the game, the Lilies were in the majority in the final minutes. Six minutes before the end, Hornby tried a curling shot, but he was unable to score with this attempt either. But even without another goal, the 98ers confidently took the lead over time and secured the home win.