Foto: SV 98 17.05.2026 / English
Season Ends in Defeat
They tried everything, but the goal just wouldn't come: Darmstadt lost 2-0 (1-0) to SC Paderborn. This means SV 98 finishes the 2025/26 season in fifth place with 52 points. Fabian Holland played 69 minutes in his final match for Darmstadt.
In the final match of the season, Darmstadt had their first good chance after just four minutes: Isac Lidberg fired a shot on the turn, hitting the inside of the post, but the ball bounced. The visitors from Paderborn did better two minutes later: Marino beat his marker in the penalty area and fired into the near corner with 6 minutes on the clock.
The game remained largely balanced for the remainder of the match, although the home side created the better opportunities. After 25 minutes, Darmstadt combined beautifully into the penalty area, and following a one-two with Lidberg, Kilian Corredor curled the ball towards the far corner, only to be narrowly denied by a save from the goalkeeper. Two minutes later, Marco Richter tried his luck in the box, but his unconventional effort sailed just wide of the far post.
Even in the final minutes before halftime, the visitors from southern Hesse had almost exclusively the shots on goal, but first Lidberg missed after a cross on 40 minutes and then Richter’s powerful shot from a tight angle was saved by the keeper, two minutes later. An equaliser would have been entirely deserved by this point, yet the teams went into the break trailing by a single goal.
After the restart, the pattern continued: Darmstadt pressed for the equaliser, created chances, but initially failed to capitalise. Three minutes after the restart, a long ball from Marcel Schuhen slipped through completely, but Corredor, with only the goalkeeper to beat, was denied. Six minutes later, Niklas Schmidt tried his luck from distance, but the ball was too central and Seimen gathered it on the second attempt.
After an hour, the visitors were awarded a penalty with their first attack in the Darmstadt penalty area, but Bilbija’s spot-kick struck the crossbar. But Darmstadt continued to create chance after chance, with Lidberg twice denied by the goalkeeper from close range in the 72nd minute. Two minutes later, Kai Klefisch came close to scoring a goal of the month contender, but his powerful long-range shot only rattled the crossbar.
One minute before the final whistle, the visitors capitalised on a Darmstadt mistake and Michel sealed the 2-0 victory as he slotted home.
Pictures from the Game
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
„I feel a tremendous amount of appreciation.“
Despite a valiant effort and several chances, SV Darmstadt 98 lost 2-0 to SC Paderborn. The Lilies still finish the season in fifth place. However, the main focus of the match for Darmstadt was the farewell to club legend Fabian Holland. What did the coaches and players have to say about this afternoon's game? We've compiled their reactions.
Team News: Holland starts as Captain
The last home game of the 2025/26 season – and a very special one at that. Fabian Holland will lead the team onto the pitch as captain in his 319th and final competitive match. He replaces Raoul Petretta in the SV 98 starting eleven. Furthermore, Florian Kohfeldt has selected Aleksandar Vukotic, who starts in place of the injured Patric Pfeiffer, and Sergio Lopez, who starts in place of Yosuke Furukawa, for the 34th matchday of the second division. Bartosz Bialek is unavailable for selection due to a foot injury.
Matchday Guide All Information for the Paderborn Game
One last time! One more football match this season, one last time at the Bölle, and one last time with Fabian Holland. On matchday 34, SV Darmstadt 98 will face SC Paderborn on Sunday (May 17th, 3:30pm). Who will referee the match? Where will it be broadcast? And will the sun be shining? You'll find all the answers as usual in "Matchday Guide" – clearly presented with everything you need to know about the matchday.
“We will do everything we can to make that happen.”
What about Fabian Holland's availability? What makes number 32 a true Darmstadt legend? How does Florian Kohfeldt view Sunday afternoon's match (May 17th, 3:30pm) against SC Paderborn? And what grade would he give the 2025/26 season? Many questions, detailed answers. We've compiled the most important statements from Darmstadt's head coach at Friday's (May 15th) press conference for you.
Lilies bid farewell to six players
SV 98 will bid farewell to a total of six players around the time of their final home game against SC Paderborn (May 17th/3:30pm).
Opposition Check: SC Paderborn
The situation is almost unique: 2nd place – 59 points, 3rd place – 59 points, 4th place – 59 points. Three teams are tied on points in the fight for direct promotion, and this is on the final matchday. Elversberg, Hannover, and then Darmstadt's opponent SC Paderborn: currently, goal difference will decide promotion, relegation play-offs, and the unenviable fourth place.
Heinerfest fireworks on the Lange Lui | Free drinks on the club’s anniversary
The season is drawing to a close, but there's still plenty going on around the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The ball is still rolling, and for the young Lilies, even a little longer. And with the Heinerfest in July and the club's anniversary in May, there's plenty to celebrate. You can also read Fabian Holland's words from his last media briefing and find out how you might help some of the Lilies' professionals receive an award. All this and a bit more can be found here in "Lilien Across the Board" at the usual time and place.
Organisational information for the Paderborn game
On Sunday afternoon (May 17th/3:30pm) SV Darmstadt 98 will host the team from SC Paderborn and asks you to take note of the following information.
Facts & Stats: The top facts about the Paderborn game
A special Sunday awaits spectators at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Not only because SC Paderborn is still fighting for promotion and SV Darmstadt 98 wants to secure their fifth place in the table, but also because Fabian Holland will be playing his last game for the Lilies. We've compiled all the facts and figures about the clash between the teams from southern Hesse and East Westphalia for you here. Here you'll find the top facts about the match on Sunday (May 17th/3:30pm).
SVD vs. Paderborn: 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 Paderborn is Thursday (May 14th) at 12 noon.
U21 wins again: „We have it in our own hands“
Upward trend! On Saturday (May 9th/3pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted FSV Fernwald in the Lotto Hessenliga for the 30th matchday. Still embroiled in the fight to avoid relegation, the young Lilies secured three crucial points. They triumphed 4-1 over Fernwald – a victory that was particularly well-deserved in the final stages. This means the U21 team has won three of their last four league matches.
„We’re not making enough of our numerical advantage.“
A draw in Münster. SV Darmstadt 98 and SC Preußen Münster played to a 1-1 draw in their final away match of the season. While Darmstadt remain in fifth place with 52 points, the draw confirms Preußen Münster's relegation to the 3. Liga. We've gathered all the post-match reactions for you.