Foto: SV 98 26.06.2024 / English
Papela joins the Lilien
SV Darmstadt 98 has secured the services of a dynamic midfielder: Merveille Papela is joining the Lilies on a free transfer. The 23-year-old was active for 1. FSV Mainz 05 last season.
Paul Fernie: “Merveille Papela expands our options in midfield because he is characterised by his high dynamism and ball winning rate. With his pace and quickness of action, he will also be able to help us in pressing moments. We are convinced that Darmstadt is the right place for Merveille to fully develop.”
Torsten Lieberknecht: “Merveille has already gained experience in the Bundesliga and 2nd league, and at the age of 23 he still has potential for further development steps. I am pleased that he will be able to attend large parts of the first training camp so that he can get to know our processes and the team.”
Merveille Papela: “I like what has been built here in Darmstadt in the last few years. It’s not for nothing that they were competitors in the fight to stay in the Bundesliga last season. I am now happy to be part of the club and the team and am positively looking forward to what awaits me in the first session with the club.”
Papela played for Mainz 05’s youth teams from 2011 to 2019. The Mainz native also spent his professional time – interrupted by a one-year loan at the then second division club SV Sandhausen – exclusively with the Rheinhessen team. Papela played in eleven Bundesliga games and one game in the DFB Cup for FSV last season. He played 20 second division games for SVS. Papela also played through all of the DFB national teams from U15 to U20. In total he has 28 international matches at youth level.
Papela will wear the number 21 shirt for SV 98.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Pfeiffer receives a one-match ban.
The DFB sports court has suspended Patric Pfeiffer for one match following his sending-off against Dynamo Dresden.
SVD vs. Kiel: Win ENTEGA fan seats
Our premium partner ENTEGA is once again providing unique stadium experiences this season. For every home game, 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 Holstein Kiel is Thursday (March 5th) at 12 noon.
U21 start 2026 with a competitive victory
The U21 team made a perfect start to the new year: In their first match, the Hessenliga side defeated Türk Gücü Friedberg 5-3. The young Lilies showed great character, coming back from a two-goal deficit to secure the win. The victory not only provides crucial points in the fight to avoid relegation, but also marks the perfect debut for Sebastian Schmitt as U21 coach.
Academy: Mehring new Sporting Director
SV 98 has filled the vacant position of Sporting Director at its youth academy. Maximilian Mehring succeeds Björn Müller. The 39-year-old had previously been serving as interim coach at the Lilies' youth academy. SV 98 has also adjusted its reporting structure within the youth academy.
Lack of context
More than 30,000 fans packed the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, creating an impressive atmosphere under the floodlights – pure football romance. The setting for Darmstadt's away match against Dynamo Dresden was truly special. Two teams with a playful and attacking approach faced off. For 42 minutes, these ingredients combined to create an entertaining, tactically sophisticated, and intense duel. Until a referee's decision decisively influenced the outcome. We look back on an emotional evening in Dresden.
„The referee decided the game today.“
After 13 unbeaten second-division matches, SV Darmstadt 98 suffered their first defeat this Friday evening. Three unfortunate minutes just before halftime, during which Patric Pfeiffer was sent off and Vincent Vermeij scored twice, paved the way for Dresden's victory. After the match, the focus was primarily on the differing assessments of two very similar incidents by the refereeing team – incidents which both coaches subsequently evaluated identically.
Undefeated streak ends
For the first time since October, Darmstadt 98 finished a league match without any points: SV 98 lost 3-1 (2-0) to SG Dynamo Dresden. After a controversial red card against Patric Pfeiffer (42nd minute), the home side scored two goals in first-half stoppage time to secure the victory.
Team News: Three Changes to the Team
Under the floodlights at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadium. On Friday evening (February 27th/6:30pm), Darmstadt 98 will play away against Dynamo Dresden. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting eleven. Raoul Petretta makes his first start, replacing Fabian Holland. Luca Marseiler starts in place of the suspended Marco Richter, and Hiroki Akiyama replaces Fraser Hornby, who is sidelined with a thigh injury. Fabian Nürnberger, Matthias Bader, and Bartosz Bialek remain unavailable due to injury.
Matchday Guide: All Information for the Dresden Game
A floodlit match at the Rudolf-Haribig-Stadion is always something special. Darmstadt 98 are aiming to take three points back to southern Hesse this Friday evening (February 27th). Kick-off is at 6:30pm. All the important information about the 24th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga is clearly summarised for you in our "Matchday Guide".
Facts & Stats: The top facts about the Dresden game
Darmstadt 98 aim to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games in Friday evening's match against Dynamo Dresden. While Darmstadt's potent attack has resulted in a respectable goal tally, they are wary at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. The Saxons have been on an upward trend since the winter break and will have a vociferous home crowd behind them. We've compiled all the facts and figures surrounding this clash in this report. Here you'll find the key facts for tomorrow's match.
Fan Information for the Dresden Game
Darmstadt and Dresden are 598 kilometres apart. On Friday evening (February 27th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the Saxon capital for the 24th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga. The next away game will take place under the floodlights at the historic Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. You can find all relevant fan information here.
