26.03.2026 / English
Successful test against Saarbrücken
SV Darmstadt 98 won their friendly match against 1. FC Saarbrücken during the international break. Florian Kohfeldt's team triumphed 4-2 (2-1) at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, behind closed doors.
Both teams showed commitment from the outset, employing high pressing and looking to attack. The first scoring opportunity fell to the visitors: Niklas Schmidt fired a shot from a difficult angle, but his effort posed no real problems for FCS goalkeeper Paterok (10′). Shortly afterward, Darmstadt took the lead: A cross from Sergio Lopez found Isac Lidberg in the penalty area, and the Swede finished to make it 1-0 (13′).
Saarbrücken, however, were not intimidated by the goal and continued to press high. Nevertheless, it was Darmstadt who initially created the more clear-cut chances. Yosuke Furukawa (20′) and Klefisch (26′) both missed opportunities to extend the lead.
And so it was the Saarlanders who scored the next goal of the match. Brünker broke free from a pressing situation and, under pressure, played the ball to Elongo Yombo, who took it in stride and fired a powerful shot from the left edge of the penalty area into the near corner to equalise at 1-1 (30′). Shortly before the halftime whistle, Darmstadt were awarded another corner. Richter whipped in a dangerous cross, and Maglica headed it home to give Darmstadt a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half began with a shot from Elongo Yombo, but he put the ball over Brunst’s goal (47′). Darmstadt remained dominant, however. Bormuth failed to control the ball in the six-yard box, and substitute Lakenmacher reacted quickly, earning a well-deserved penalty. Richter stepped up and made it 3-1 (49′). A very fine combination by Darmstadt led to another goal just before the hour mark. On the right side of midfield, Richter played a one-two with Furukawa, then found the onrushing Matthias Bader, who crossed the ball towards the six-yard box, where Furukawa finished superbly with a backheel into the far corner (57′).
The game subsequently became somewhat less exciting, with only substitute Grayson Dettoni, making his debut for Darmstadt, narrowly missing another goal following a corner. The final goal of the match belonged to the visitors: Civeja found Multhaup in the penalty area, who finished unchallenged to make it 2-4 from Saarbrücken’s perspective. This also proved to be the final score in what was ultimately a successful test match for Darmstadt.
Florian Kohfeldt: „I saw a few players perform really well. The focus was on maintaining our rhythm and giving some players playing time. For me, apart from Semih’s injury, it was an entirely positive test. Three out of four goals were very well-worked. Basically, everything we planned worked out. Now we’ll recover tomorrow, and then the lads will get three days off.“
Line-Up: Brunst (Börner, 73′), Lopez (Bader, 46′), Maglica (Dettoni, 46′), Lidberg (Lakenmacher, 46′), Akiyama (Güler, 46′) (Arnold, 47′)), Klefisch (Petretta, 46′), Vukotic (Pfister, 73′), Richter (Bialek, 73′), Schmitt, Holland (C), Furukawa,
“A great and very intense time”
A delegation led by Darmstadt 98 president Markus Pfitzner is using the current international break in March for a trip to San Antonio to further strengthen the connection with cooperation partner San Antonio FC, gain deeper insights into the local economy, and immerse themselves in the culture and history of Darmstadt's sister city. We will be covering their time in Texas on this page.
DFL ends match days until the end of the season
The German Football League (DFL) announced the exact times for the remaining matchdays on Friday afternoon (March 27). The home game on matchday 31 against SV Elversberg will take place on Saturday evening (April 25) at 8:30pm. This will be followed by two away games against Karlsruher SC (May 3) and Preußen Münster (May 10), both at 1:30pm. On the final matchday, Darmstadt will host SC Paderborn at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor at 3:30pm. (May 17).
“I will not give up” | Patric Pfeiffer nominated for Ghana for the first time
Following his injury, Luca Marseiler posted an emotional message on Instagram, while Patric Pfeiffer has been called up to the Ghanaian national team for the first time. You'll also find out what the other Darmstadt teams have been up to. All this and more, as always, in our "Darmstadt Across the Board" section.
“Playing for Ghana would mean a great deal to me.”
Born in Hamburg in 1999 and raised in the Hanseatic city, Patric Pfeiffer's roots lie in Ghana, his mother's homeland. He has now been called up to the Ghanaian national team for the first time, and two special international matches await the SV Darmstadt 98 centre-back: first against Austria (March 27th, 6pm), then against Germany (March 30th, 8:45pm). Before the 26-year-old departs with the West Africans, we arranged an interview with him. A conversation about family and dreams, memories and old acquaintances.
Marseiler suffers cruciate ligament tear
The worst fears have been confirmed: Luca Marseiler suffered a torn cruciate ligament in the home match against FC Schalke 04. The 29-year-old sustained the injury in the 23rd minute without any contact from an opponent. Marseiler will be sidelined for several months. Further treatment and the timing of the surgery will be decided in the coming days.
Lilies test against Saarbrücken
Next Thursday (26.03) at 1pm, SV Darmstadt 98 will play a friendly match against 1. FC Saarbrücken.
Patric Pfeiffer on an international trip
Patric Pfeiffer has been called up to the Ghanaian national team for the first time. The 26-year-old central defender is in the squad for the upcoming friendlies, in which Ghana will first face Austria on Friday (March 27th/6pm) and then Germany on Monday (March 30th/8:45pm).
U21: Young Lilies defeated shortly before the end
A close match ended in a late defeat for SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team. On Saturday (March 21st, 3:00pm), the young Lilies hosted SC Waldgirmes. The two teams are now separated by only one point in the league table, a situation reflected in the course of the game and the final score of 2-1.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor GOAL bonus
For every home goal scored by the Lilies, SV Darmstadt 98 fans will be doubly rewarded in the 2025/26 season. In addition to the joy and excitement, the Lilies' supporters will also receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
‚A fair draw‘
A thrilling match on Saturday evening ended in a draw: FC Schalke 04 and Darmstadt 98 played to a stalemate, each securing a point on matchday 27. The game was overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to Luca Marseiler. Following the match, both sides expressed their best wishes for the winger's recovery. The coaches' analysis of the game was similar: a fair draw. Here are the post-match reactions.
Points Shared under the Lights
No winner on Saturday evening: The top match between Darmstadt and league leaders Schalke 04 ended 1-1 (1-1). Lidberg scored for the home side in first-half stoppage time. In a thrilling match, Darmstadt secured their 50th point of the season and remain firmly in contention at the top end of the table.
Team News: Hornby and Nürnberger start
A top match at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! On matchday 27, Darmstadt 98 host FC Schalke 04. Just in time for this clash, Fraser Hornby returns to the SV 98 starting lineup, replacing Niklas Schmidt. Fabian Nürnberger also starts in place of Fabian Holland. Killian Corredor is also available for SV 98 again, but the Frenchman will initially be on the bench.