In addition to Tobias Kempe, another great personality is leaving SV Darmstadt 98 at the end of the season: Christoph Zimmermann, who left a lasting impression and made a lasting impression in 55 games for the Lilies. Furthermore, the SV 98 fan base is in the midst of its fight for promotion to the Kreisliga B and is counting on your support in the final stretch of the season. We report on these and other topics related to SV 98 in our weekly column "Lilien Across the Board."
Christoph Zimmermann, a professional who left his mark at Böllenfalltor this summer, will be leaving SV Darmstadt 98 not only on the pitch but also on a personal level. Even though the current season has turned out differently than all Lilies fans and he himself would have hoped due to injury, Zimmermann’s contribution to promotion to the Bundesliga and his commitment to the Lilies will remain unforgettable. Christoph „Zimbo“ Zimmermann took to the pitch 55 times with the Lily on his chest. On the final matchday at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor against Jahn Regensburg, Zimmermann will be bid farewell – certainly with the applause he deserves. The Lilies thank Zimbo for his commitment, his outstanding character, and his journey with SV 98!
The SV Darmstadt 98 fan team celebrated a high-scoring 5-3 away win at Germania Pfungstadt II last weekend. However, the start was anything but optimal: A mistake in the build-up play led to an early 1-0 deficit. However, with two impressive direct free kicks and a direct corner, the „second second team“ turned the game around to 3-1 within minutes. Things got wild just before halftime, with two quick goals to make it 3-3. After the break, the Lilies appeared much more solid. An own goal by Germania Pfungstadt II gave them the lead again, before the Lilies sealed the victory with another free kick.
The final result was a deserved 5-3 away win, in which the „Zwote Zwote“ (Second Second Team) impressed, especially with a more mature, controlled second half. The win keeps the fan team in second place in the table and puts them in the midst of a promotion battle to the Kreisliga B. In the upcoming top match against league leaders SKG Roßdorf II on Sunday (May 11th, 5pm), the „Zwote Zwote“ (Second Second Team) has the chance to draw level with Roßdorf with a win.
Want to support the Lilien fan base in person at the top match? Then come along to the artificial turf pitch in Pfungstadt on Ostendstraße on Sunday at 5pm! There’s good news for everyone who previously supported the first team in Kaiserslautern: Your away ticket for the game in Lautern is also valid for the fan base’s home game against Roßdorf.
The upcoming games of the fan team at a glance:
| Date | Kick Off | Match | Competition | Result |
| Sunday, 04.05.2025 | 1pm | RSV Ger. Pfungstadt II – SV 98 | Kreisliga C | 3:5 |
| Sunday, 11.05.2025 | 5pm | SV 98 – SKG Roßdorf II | Kreisliga C | |
| Thursday, 15.05.2025 | 7pm | FTG Pfungstadt II – SV 98 | Kreisliga C |
According to Malteser Deutschland, between 14,000 and 15,000 blood donations are needed in Germany every day. Blood transfusions are needed for many vital surgeries and the treatment of chronic diseases, for example. Since blood cannot be produced artificially, blood donations are essential. To mark this occasion, the Lilies are supporting the German Red Cross (DRK) blood drive, and anyone interested can donate blood on May 8th at the InterCity Hotel in Darmstadt and on July 10th at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
As in previous years, the active SV Darmstadt 98 fan base is calling on everyone to head to Kaiserslautern for the last away game of the season – all together and in unison – sporting the Lily on their chests! Whether it’s the current season jersey, a classic from the past, or your very own lucky charm: Get your favourite jersey out of the closet and head to the Betze in it!
The SV Darmstadt 98 U17 team continued its impressive run in the DFB-Nachwuchsliga (German Youth League) on Sunday (May 4), celebrating a decisive 5-2 home victory against SV Gonsenheim. It was their seventh consecutive unbeaten performance and their sixth win overall during this strong period.
The start gave little indication that seven goals would be scored in the end. It wasn’t until the 38th minute that the young Lilies found the back of the net for the first time – and just three minutes later, they made it 2-0. They went into the break with this lead. After the break, SV 98 increased their lead to 3-0 in the 64th minute, before Gonsenheim briefly created a thrilling 3-1 lead just six minutes later. But the Lilies responded promptly: The 4-1 (75th minute) gave them back control – and even the 4-2 (79th minute) didn’t throw them off their stride. The 5-2 final score in the 83rd minute finally sealed the victory.
The U17s‘ next game is on Saturday (May 10th, 11am) away at SpVgg Unterhaching.
The SV Darmstadt 98 U19 team celebrated an important 3-1 away win at SSV Reutlingen on Sunday (May 4), further cementing their position in the top third of their DFB-Pokal (German Youth League).
The match began promisingly: After 29 minutes, the young Lilies deservedly took a 1-0 lead. However, Reutlingen equalised immediately after the break with a penalty. The game subsequently lost momentum – until the Lilies turned things around in the decisive phase. In the 79th and 83rd minutes, they scored two goals to make it 2-1 and 3-1, which finally turned the game around.
With the three points, Darmstadt remain in fifth place, but have reduced the gap to the top four to just one point. The next match is on Saturday (May 10th, 2pm) with a tough home game against second-placed SC Freiburg.
There are three reasons to celebrate within the Lilies family this week. On Wednesday (May 7th), the Lilies are celebrating two birthdays: goalkeeper Steve Kroll turns 28, and rehabilitation coach Florian Bauer celebrates his 45th birthday. Striker Fynn Lakenmacher also celebrates his 25th birthday on Saturday (May 10th). Born in Lübbecke, Lakenmacher began his football career in the youth team of SV Ochtersum. He then played for Hannover 96, a team he remained loyal to for eight years. The soon-to-be 25-year-old got his first taste of professional football with TSV Havelse in the 3rd division before moving to TSV 1860 Munich, where he scored 16 goals and provided six assists in 77 games. Last summer, he moved up to the 2nd Bundesliga with SV Darmstadt 98, where he has already made 29 appearances. The Lilies wish their birthday boys all the best!
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.
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.