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 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:
Despite falling behind, Darmstadt secured their second consecutive home win! Darmstadt defeated Energie Cottbus 3-1 (1-1). The home side equalised after conceding an early goal in the four-minute period through Weißhaupt before halftime. Vukotic headed his team into the lead in the second half, before Lührs sealed the victory with the third goal. This home win brings Darmstadt's season total to seven points.
Homegame at Böllenfalltor (10/10, 1pm): Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting XI compared to the away match in Wolfsburg three weeks ago. Richter and Mikelbrencis come into the starting lineup for Sickinger (calf issues) and Lannert (illness).
On Saturday afternoon (October 10th, 1pm), SV 98 hosts Energie Cottbus at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for Matchday 7. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kick-off? Who is officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we have compiled all the key information regarding the game against Cottbus in our "Matchday Guide" feature.