What a show of resilience from the the Lilies in their first competitive game in 2025! SV Darmstadt 98 came back despite being 2-0 down against Fortuna Düsseldorf and added a point to their points account thanks to a 2-2 draw. For the first time in over 30 years, the South Hessians were able to achieve anything worthwhile in Düsseldorf. The Darmstadt protagonists were accordingly happy about coming back and winning the point, but also critical of the two goals they conceded at the microphones after the final whistle. We have summarised all the voices about the game for you.
„It was a game that needed a little bit of time to get going. We controlled the game in the first half, but we didn’t force it. After losing the ball, we were too disorganised in the duel and conceded the first goal. From my point of view, it was a strange result at the break. Afterwards we played 20 really bad minutes in which Fortuna deservedly made it 2-0 and could have possibly even added a third goal. A big compliment goes to my team for their morale „Even though they weren’t so clean in many small things today and didn’t reach their performance limit, it’s ultimately a well-deserved point, but one that was no longer necessarily to be expected after this game.“
„My feeling was that the opponent didn’t control the game in the first half. Both teams leveled off, it was an even game. We only allowed one shot against us and had a few shooting opportunities ourselves. The goal came when we played really well. So we went into the break with a good feeling. At half-time we adjusted our positioning against the ball and at the beginning of the second half we had more shots and made it 2-0. In the end it’s our own fault that we revived the opponent with an individual mistake and the subsequent penalty and that we left the winning ways. I’m therefore extremely dissatisfied with the result.“
„It was the difficult start to the second half of the season as expected from two teams on equal footing. We got going well in the first few minutes and controlled the game. We also had our chances. But due to a mistake on our part and their only chance to score in the first half, Fortuna took the lead. In the first half we still had the feeling that nothing was lost here. The 0-2 result was of course bitter, but we had good morale in the team to turn things around like this and I’m proud of the team.“
„We showed willpower. It’s by no means easy to come back here after a 2-0 deficit. Of course you always want to win, but we’ll take this point with us. We had a very difficult time getting into the game after the break and conceded the 2-0, but after that we found our game more and more, because Düsseldorf didn’t get any security. After the 2-1, things got really nasty for Düsseldorf and we were able to build up the pressure and make it 2-2 overall can we go home with a positive feeling.“
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.