The U21 team loses to a strong FC Gießen.

From the first minute, two distinct playing styles emerged: a deep-lying Gießen side versus the possession-based football of the young Lilies. It quickly became apparent that SV 98’s U21 team would struggle to create many chances. A lack of assertiveness and „too many lost one-on-one duels“ prevented the Lilies from taking control of the game, analysed Schmitt.

The visitors from Gießen, however, implemented their game plan. A brace from Mirco Geisler (7th, 18th minute) presented SVD with early challenges. In these situations, the Blue-Whites were „classically caught on the counter-attack,“ explained Schmitt. Subsequently, the Lilies‘ youngsters rallied and found their footing in the match. This improvement was initially reflected in the scoreline. Manolo Merx’s goal in the 34th minute was only to provide a brief glimmer of hope for the home side. Just before the half-time whistle blew, Hasan El Chaabi (41st minute) scored the ball and restored the two-goal lead.

Although the 98ers started the second half with more confidence, Mirco Geisler’s third goal of the day in the 49th minute gave them a comfortable lead, which also proved to be the final score. Schmitt explained the reasons for the defeat by saying that they lacked „the right decisions in the final third“ to challenge the opponent more and create scoring opportunities.

The post-match analysis is intended, among other things, to reveal „whether there were any moments or days when we, as a group, left percentage points on the table,“ in order to be able to attack again at full strength in the next match, according to Schmitt. The next league game is scheduled for Sunday at 3pm. Away at SC 1960 Hanau, a direct relegation rival, the team aims to secure three points in a crucial six-pointer.