A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
At the start of their cup run, little suggested an upset was in store. After a 7-0 victory at Marathon Berlin, increasingly tougher opponents awaited them. Against then-Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund, Hannover were already trailing 2-0 at halftime but turned the game around to win 3-2. In the quarterfinals, the 96ers defeated Karlsruher SC 1-0, before facing defending champions Werder Bremen in the semifinals. There, goalkeeper Jörg Sievers‘ moment of glory arrived: in the penalty shootout, he first converted his own penalty and then saved Marco Bode’s decisive attempt.
The final against Borussia Mönchengladbach also went to penalties. After 120 goalless minutes, Sievers once again demonstrated his quality, saving two Gladbach penalties. Finally, Michael Schjønberg stepped up and converted to make it 4-3. Hannover 96 were DFB Cup winners: as a second-division team, as underdogs, and against all odds. More than 50,000 people welcomed the team back to Hanover. What had begun as a cup run at Marathon Berlin had become one of the greatest chapters in the history of Hannover 96.
After two defeats at the start of the season, Christian Titz’s team sits in 17th place in the 2. Bundesliga. However, the Lower Saxony side fulfilled their duty in the DFB Cup, securing a convincing 9-1 victory against Bremen league team SV Hemelingen. Here is the record of their last three competitive matches:
| Opposition | Score | Outcome |
| SV Hemelingen (A) (Pokal) | 1:9 | Next Round |
| VfL Wolfsburg (H) | 0:1 | 0 |
| Energie Cottbus (A) | 3:1 | 0 |
| Top Goals | Top Assists |
| Maurice Neubauer – 1 Tor | Lars Gindorf – 1 Assist |
Christian Titz
Head coach of Hannover 96From distance, after fine combinations, with headers, or from tight angles: Hannover 96 consistently seeks a way to the opponent’s goal. Simply put: the Lower Saxony side is extremely clinical in front of goal. Titz’s team has already unleashed 39 shots on target in the still-young season. Only Eintracht Braunschweig has managed one more in the league. 96 has also hit the woodwork twice, another league best. So, Hannover certainly isn’t lacking in attacking play, but so far, they haven’t been able to convert their chances into goals.
A cross from the right, chest control, a quick turn, and then he launches himself headfirst into the air. Just 25 seconds had elapsed in the second-division match between Union Berlin and 1. FC Köln in January 2019 when Marcel Hartel launched into a spectacular bicycle kick. The ball sailed over Köln’s goalkeeper Timo Horn and into the left corner of the net. Against his boyhood club, of all teams, Hartel scored a goal that was later voted „Goal of the Year 2019“ by viewers of the German sports program „Sportschau.“
Spectacular goals, however, are only one aspect of what distinguishes the Köln native. Hartel came through the youth ranks at 1. FC Köln and subsequently played for clubs including Union Berlin, Arminia Bielefeld, and FC St. Pauli. He achieved promotion to the Bundesliga three times. The midfielder’s strongest second-division season was in 2023/24 with St. Pauli. With 17 goals and 13 assists, Hartel played a major role in Hamburg’s second division championship. He then moved to the USA to play for St. Louis City SC before returning to Germany in August and signing a three-year contract with Hannover 96.
The 30-year-old is expected to provide creativity in attacking midfield for the Lower Saxony club. Hartel is a tireless midfielder, constantly looking for space between the lines, and brings not only creativity but also a goal threat. He got a first glimpse of this in the DFB Cup match against SV Hemelingen, scoring his first goal in a 96 jersey in the 9-1 victory. On Sunday (August 30th, 1:30pm), Hartel and Hannover will visit the Böllenfalltor stadium. The Darmstadt defence will likely be keeping a close eye on the Lower Saxony club’s number 10.
On Sunday afternoon (Oct 18th, 1:30pm), SV 98 will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the season. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kickoff? Who will be officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we’ve put together all the essential information for the game against KSC in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
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.