The members of Berlin Football Club Hertha 1892 sat anxiously around a table – with no prospect of a new home ground. After the First World War, the club could no longer afford the Schebera sports field on Behmstrasse. Hours of fear and doubt passed after the innkeeper Joseph Schebera sold their former home ground to SV Norden-Nordwest 98 in 1923. But that was not to be the end of Hertha 1892.
Salvation came through the Berlin Sports Club (BSC), which merged with Hertha BSC. The answer to the question of a new stadium was provided by the BSC: Even before the merger, financially strong BSC members had acquired the site of the former Schebera ice rink south of Behmstraße. On this land, the Gesundbrunnen Stadium – affectionately known as „the Plumpe“ – was built. On February 9, 1924, the time had come: The new Hertha ground was inaugurated with a 1-0 victory against VfB Pankow – and Erich Gülle became the first goalscorer, etching his name into the club’s history. With sporting success and the championships in 1930 and 1931, Hertha BSC grew into a true Berlin powerhouse.
Today, Hertha BSC plays its home matches at the Olympic Stadium. The monumental arena in the west of the city has been the club’s home for decades – a stark contrast to the cramped quarters of the „Plumpe,“ which nevertheless remains a central location for the „Old Lady’s“ identity. Between tradition and modern capital city ambitions: We’ve taken a closer look at Hertha BSC’s current squad in our opponent analysis.
| Top Scorers | Top Assists |
| Luca Schuler – 7 Goals | Fabian Reese – 8 Assists |
| Fabian Reese – 4 Goals | Michaël Cuisance – 5 Assists |
| Sebastian Grönning – 4 Goals | Marten Winkler – 4 Assists |
| Marten Winkler – 4 Goals | Márton Dárdai – 2 Assists |
| Dawid Kownacki – 4 Goals | Michal Karbownik- 2 Assists |
Stefan Leitl
Head coach of Hertha BSCWhen Hertha BSC takes to the pitch, it almost seems as if an invisible wall rises in front of their goal. Opponents struggle to create chances – and the statistics confirm this impression: With only 18 goals conceded, the Berliners‘ defence is second in the league, with only Schalke (12) more solid. Their defensive strength is also evident in the number of clear-cut chances allowed: Hertha has conceded just 18, with only SC Paderborn (12) more clinical in this category. For the Lilies‘ attack, it will likely be anything but a walk in the park…
A boy sits in front of the television, his eyes fixed on the screen. The engines roar, tyres squeal, and Kimi Räikkönen races around the track. For many, it’s just a Formula 1 race – for Tjark Ernst, it was a moment that awakened more in him than mere amazement. „All I know is that I’ve been a Formula 1 fan since childhood, and Kimi Räikkönen was nicknamed ‚Iceman.‘ Reports often said I was ice-cold. A friend eventually connected that with my passion for Formula 1 and called me ‚Iceman‘ because of it,“ Ernst recounts today with a smile. This nickname, born from his fascination with speed and nerves of steel, would later accompany him on the football pitch – in a completely different way.
Born on March 15, 2003, in Stuttgart, Tjark Ernst grew up in a sports-loving family. His talent for football was evident from an early age: while other children simply kicked a ball around outside, he began to systematically train his technique, reaction speed, and game awareness. His height of 1.93 meters and his strong reflexes quickly made him an outstanding goalkeeper.
His youth career took him from TSG Niederdorfelden and DJK Arminia Bochum to the VfL Bochum youth academy, where he shone in the youth teams. His composure and vision on the pitch – qualities that were already noticeable when watching Formula 1 – helped him to master critical situations with confidence. In the summer of 2022, Ernst moved to Hertha BSC, where he initially trained with the first team and gained match experience with the U23s. His patience paid off, as just under a year later, the young goalkeeper made his debut for the first team against VfL Wolfsburg.
In the Bundesliga and now also in the 2. Bundesliga, Ernst has established himself as a reliable presence in goal. His nickname „Iceman“ describes not only his cool composure in front of the television as a child, but also his ability to remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and organise the defence.
Today, Tjark Ernst not only stands in goal for Hertha BSC, but also embodies patience, discipline, and concentration. With these attributes, the awestruck child in front of the television became a professional footballer. The „Iceman“ has arrived: not on the racetrack, but between the posts.
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: