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 
Defeat with Heart
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
Running together to do good: “Run for ME/CFS”
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
Still undefeated
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
“Our belief in this path is immense.”
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.
Outnumbered: Lilies Lose to 96ers
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.
Team News: Three Changes in the Starting XI
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
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"
Transfer News: Mikelbrencis strengthens SV 98
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.
“I’d be up for it”
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.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
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.
