Showing great character: SV Darmstadt 98 demonstrated their comeback qualities in the second half. After SpVgg Greuther Fürth took a 2-1 lead, the Lilies quickly struck back with two more goals and sealed the home victory with a 4-2 scoreline in the closing stages. We've gathered all the post-match reactions for you.
„From the 60th minute onwards, we played really good football and created a lot of chances. It’s not a given that we play like that. We had great support from the bench today. Fabian Nürnberger, Marco Richter, and Mey Papela played very well and were a real boost. The first 60 minutes belonged to us, but also to Fürth, who did a very good job. They marked Fraser and Killian very well, not allowing us the kind of opportunities we like. The first 10 minutes were okay, then Fürth controlled the game for 50 minutes, and then we played really well in the last 30 minutes. Based on the chances we created, the win was deserved, but against a very well-organised opponent.“
„It was a very intense game. We had a tough start. The team kept their composure after conceding, stayed focused, and then played a very good game. We deservedly went into halftime at 1-1, and then turned the game around in the second half with a very good attacking move. When you’re leading 2-1 away against a very good opponent who rightfully belongs at the top of the table, you simply have to give everything to take points home. Then you concede two goals from set pieces, which is extremely bitter. If you want to get points, you can’t concede four goals. We left too much space and had seven or eight minutes where we let the game slip away. I’m not one for looking to blame others. But the 2-2 goal was clearly offside.“
„I’m delighted to have scored a header today, and I hope it continues like this. I scored plenty in my youth, but this was my first header at the professional level. I think we got off to a good start. After the short break, we needed a little time to recover. The coach had some good things to say at halftime. The substitutions also brought a lot of energy to the pitch. This shows that everyone is needed and that we’ve grown together as a team. The players coming off the bench are just as important as those starting. Our focus is now on the weekend in Elversberg; we know how tough it is there. We didn’t perform well there last year, and we want to put on a different performance this time.“
„In the end, it was deserved. We started well, especially in the first ten minutes leading up to our first goal. We combined very well and were in control. Then our passing wasn’t quite right, the timing wasn’t perfect, and to some extent, we invited Fürth in. At halftime, we drew the right conclusions and made some tactical adjustments. That did us good, despite Fürth going 2-1 up. Then we showed the right mentality to get the game back under control. In the end, we scored four goals, and then you leave the pitch as deserved winners.“
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.