Foto: SV 98 02.08.2025 / English
Perfect start to the season!
The start to the second division season couldn't have gone better for the Lilies! SV 98 beat Bundesliga relegated VfL Bochum 4-1 (2-1). Lidberg scored three times, and Vukotic added another with a header. The Lilies' home strength in the once again sold-out Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor looks set to continue into the new season.
The Lilies got off to a perfect start to the new season and deservedly took the lead after just five minutes. Clemens Riedel played a clever pass to Fraser Hornby, who played the ball straight into the path of Isaac Lidberg. The Swedish attacker didn’t miss the chance and fired an unstoppable shot into the net from a tight angle – an early exclamation mark for Darmstadt’s attack!
VfL Bochum subsequently came into the game a bit better and enjoyed more possession. However, Marcel Schuhen was able to thwart two good opportunities from the visitors with strong saves – he was the winner against both Broschinski in the 14th minute and Pannewig 8 minutes later.
After 27 minutes, the Lilies had a huge chance to add a second goal: Following a corner, new signing Hiroki Akiyama took the shot. His effort was deflected onto the post by Bochum keeper Horn with a sensational reflex save. Shortly thereafter, however, the 98ers were forced to accept the equaliser: Broschinski broke through after a long ball and left Schuhen no chance with 34 minutes played.
Shortly before halftime, Darmstadt regained the lead: Marco Richter crossed for Hornby, whose header bounced off the post, but Lidberg followed up and scored in added time. The home side went into the break with the lead shortly after.
The 98ers also began the second period with a goal: Following a corner, Horn parried Klefisch’s shot, and Lidberg was in the right place again to make it 3-1 just a minute into the half – completing a hat trick for the Swede!
The home side were now absolutely in control, and just ten minutes later, they scored again: Aleksandar Vukotic won a corner after a one-two with Lidberg. The resulting corner from Fabian Nürnberger into the middle, found Vukotic who headed the ball into the net, completing his previous move.
The visitors then got back into the game a bit better and had a chance to make it 2-4 in the 66th minute, but Sissoko fired the ball wide from close range. For much of the remaining time, the Lilies controlled the game, conceding little and repeatedly creating threats themselves, but they were unable to score again.
Pictures from the opening game of the season:
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
„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.
„Pure football romance“
Before SV Darmstadt 98 plays under floodlights in Dresden on Friday evening (27.02/18.30), Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference about the strengths of Dynamo Dresden and the special atmosphere in the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
“Now I’m happy in Darmstadt!” | Lilies launch their 5th tree planting campaign
Raoul Petretta joined SV Darmstadt 98 in the winter and already feels very much at home. He talks about his arrival and his goals. Besides their sporting focus, the Lilies are also committed to sustainability: On March 15, 2026, over 3,500 trees will be planted as part of the fifth "In the Sign of the Lily" tree-planting campaign. In our "Lilies Across the Board" section, we provide you with the most important news from SV Darmstadt 98 every week.
Opposition Check: SG Dynamo Dresden
Numerous Dynamo Dresden fans flock to the stadium on home match days. But one day, they came for a single reason: What should their stadium be called in the future? Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, ready to cast their votes. In cooperation with regional partners, Dynamo Dresden's management took the unusual step of letting the club's supporters decide for themselves.
5th Tree Planting Campaign: Register now!
WirLilien – Together for nature conservation! Together with our partner Krombacher, we will once again plant more than 3,500 trees on Sunday (March 15th) – under the banner of the Lily. You can still register for the event at short notice.
U21: With renewed energy into the rest of the season
On Friday (February 27th, 7:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team begins the second phase of their Hessenliga season. With 23 points after 20 matchdays, the Lilies are currently in 14th place. Following intensive weeks of winter training, the team aims to start the upcoming challenges with renewed energy and secure crucial points.
Analysis of the home victory: The resistance fighters from Bölle
A fast-paced, thrilling exchange between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf reached its ecstatic climax in the 88th minute. Thanks to Matej Maglica's header, Darmstadt secured a 2-1 victory in a wild battle that resembled a 12-round boxing match, with both sides neglecting their defences and constantly searching for the next hook or punch. A day later, sv98.de looks back on what was probably the most exciting home game of the season so far for the South Hessian side.