SV Darmstadt not only presents a focused defence but also a versatile attack. The current league table makes the Lilies appear significantly stronger than Eintracht Braunschweig. However, Braunschweig's form is clearly trending upwards, so one shouldn't be misled. We've compiled all the important facts and figures for Saturday's match (February 14th, 1pm) here for you.
Darmstadt versus Braunschweig: first place versus fourteenth. However, looking solely at the table of the last eight matches paints a different picture: second place versus fifth! Braunschweig has only collected two fewer points than Darmstadt from their last eight games. While Eintracht Braunschweig has amassed 14 points, only Darmstadt and 1. FC Magdeburg (both with 16) have earned more.
Heiner Backhaus’s team has significantly improved its points tally, but a weakness remains in attack. Braunschweig has scored 23 goals so far, with only Fortuna Düsseldorf scoring fewer. Their expected goals (xG) of 25.5 are lower only than those of Greuther Fürth – and on average, the Lower Saxony side needs twelve shots to find the back of the net.
SV 98, on the other hand, is proving far more clinical. Every seventh shot brings joy to all the fans who support the Lilies. The 98ers have already experienced this moment 40 times in this second-division season – no other team has scored more goals.
Closely linked to this is their strength at set pieces. Their impressive goal tally also stems from the versatility of the South Hessian attack. Thirteen goals from set pieces is the best in the league, and in the second half of the season, Kohfeldt’s players have scored at least one goal from a set piece in every match so far. They’ve also occasionally found the back of the net from free kicks: four goals from direct free kicks is another league best.
In contrast, the Blue-Yellows haven’t scored from a set piece since matchday 15. Furthermore, they have only scored four times in total from a set piece.
While the team currently in 14th place still has room for improvement in attack, their defence is significantly more solid at set pieces. Of the 35 goals they’ve conceded, Braunschweig have only let in five from dead-ball situations. Only two other second-division teams defend set pieces more effectively: Schalke 04 have conceded just four goals from set pieces – the same number as Darmstadt.
Darmstadt have frequently managed to steal points from matches against Braunschweig or keep them at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The team from southern Hesse has amassed an impressive 19 points from their last ten encounters against the Lower Saxons.
However, looking solely at the last three meetings reveals a more balanced picture. Braunschweig’s only victory in the last ten matches is relatively recent. Almost exactly a year ago, when Darmstadt visited Eintracht Stadium, the hosts celebrated a win. The previous match ended in a draw, while Darmstadt narrowly won the first leg 2-1.
Nevertheless, Darmstadt traditionally struggles away from home in Braunschweig. In 13 matches, they have managed only two wins and suffered seven defeats, with a goal difference of 8-22.
It’s matchday five of the season. Eintracht Braunschweig are visiting the Böllenfalltor stadium. The score is 1-1. The clock shows the 84th minute – and Florian Kohfeldt makes a substitution: centre-back Matej Maglica comes on for Fraser Hornby.
Just two minutes later, Darmstadt are awarded a free kick – on the edge of the Eintracht penalty area. Maglica places the ball, waits for the referee’s whistle, takes a run-up, and unleashes a shot that reaches 132 km/h (80 mph) and finds the back of the net. No other goal in this second-division season has been scored at a higher speed. With that strike, he secured three points for Darmstadt.
Heiner Backhaus’s team has conceded 35 goals so far, while Marcel Schuhen has only had to pick the ball out of his net 22 times. Only two teams have conceded fewer goals than Darmstadt.
Eintracht Braunschweig’s opponents, meanwhile, have an expected goals (xG) of only 31.38, meaning they have conceded more goals than statistically expected. The opposite is true for SV Darmstadt 98: their opponents have an expected goals (xG) of 29.41, but their actual number of goals conceded is significantly lower.
Marco Richter and Fraser Hornby each have four yellow cards. Another booking would therefore result in a suspension.
|
Games |
Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | |
|
Home |
14 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 26:16 |
|
Away |
13 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8:22 |
|
Overall |
27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 34:38 |
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
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: