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:
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Foto: SV 98 
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Foto: SV 98 
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Disappointment & pride
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.