The visitors put in a lot of effort, but in the end, the promotion favourite prevailed: SV 98 lost 2-1 (1-1) to 1. FC Köln. Fraser Hornby had equalised with a penalty in the 25th minute, but with a numerical advantage, the home side scored the winner in the closing stages with a controversial penalty.
The away game got off to a particularly unfortunate start from the Lilies‘ perspective: After Sergio Lopez’s misplaced pass, Jan Thielmann appeared unmarked in front of the goal and scored to give Köln an early lead inside the first minute. The visitors struggled to shake off their shock. After seven minutes, Aleksandar Vukotic at least had the first chance on goal following a corner.
The game was evenly matched for the first quarter of an hour. Darmstadt repeatedly attempted to bypass Köln’s defence with passes, while the home side tried to press early. Overall, despite the early setback, SV 98 showed courage and repeatedly tried to pose problems for their opponents. The Lilies persisted – and were rewarded for their efforts: After a high ball to Fraser Hornby, referee Florian Heft awarded a penalty. Heintz rightly being penalised for handball as the ball struck his hand high above his head. Hornby grabbed the ball and coolly converted from the spot to level after 25 minutes.
For a long time afterward, both sides neutralised each other, with the action taking place mainly between the penalty areas. Towards the end of the first half, the visitors gained the upper hand and began to gain more and more possession. However, the pressure phase prevented any real chances from developing, and the teams went into the break with the score at 1-1.
Shortly after the restart, the South Hesse side had a great opportunity to even take the lead. Merveille Papela won the ball in midfield, and then things moved very quickly. On the counterattack, Hornby played a one-two with Luca Marseiler, and goalkeeper Schwäbe parried the Lilien striker’s direct shot. At the other end, Waldschmidt’s direct shot missed the target, 7 minutes into the half. A few seconds later, Schuhen was called into action on the next attack: Huseinbasic’s shot from a central position swept over Schuhen’s goal for a corner. After the furious start to the second half, the game calmed down somewhat but remained fast-paced overall.
In the 67th minute, the Lilien were down a man. Goalscorer Hornby was sent off for a second yellow card. Köln then increased the pressure and had a chance to take the lead in the 72nd minute. After a low cross, Finkgräfe appeared in the six-yard box, but steered the ball wide of the goal. From then on, the Billy Goats pushed their opponents deep into their own half, but Darmstadt fought back bravely and racked up many defensive meters. The next blow came in the 81st minute: In a challenge between Hübers and Lidberg, Köln vehemently claimed a penalty and surrounded the referee again; he went to the screen and despite contact being debatable, he pointed to the spot. It was a controversial penalty, but Waldschmidt converted it to make it 2-1.
In a turbulent period of stoppage time, both teams had chances, and Vukotic even had a header to equalise for the Lilies in the 8th minute of added time. Ultimately, however, the 2-1 victory remained for the hosts.
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.