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.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A special place of remembrance for one of the most famous Darmstadt fans. Before SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be officially opened.
Darmstadt's league campaign resumes on Sunday (August 30th). Their opponent? Hannover 96! Hannover 96 have lost more often to Darmstadt than to any other team in the 2. Bundesliga. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.
On Sunday (August 30, 2026, 1:30pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. Starting this season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there is a Bölle Bande family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance.
In Wednesday's media briefing, Nicolas Verkooijen spoke about his Kickbase team, communication within the squad, and the intensive training in Germany. A former Darmstadt 98 player had the opportunity to compete against the best footballers, and we report on the historic stadium tour as part of the Bundesliga's founding anniversary celebrations. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board"
A journey to the roots of the Lilies: Where churches, residential buildings, or clubhouses stand today, Darmstadt football history was once written. To mark the Day of German Football History, 35 participants set out on a special tour of discovery aboard the professional team's bus—tracing the path from the early pitches of FK Olympia and SC Darmstadt to the club's current home at the Böllenfalltor.
Once again this season, our premium partner ENTEGA is creating unique stadium experiences. For every home match, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP Lounge. The application deadline for the match against Hannover is Thursday (August 27th) at 12pm.