The writing was large on Torsten Lieberknecht's sweater. “L’Union fait la force” was written on the dark blue top that the Lilies’ head coach wore on Saturday afternoon. During the 90 minutes in Leipzig and also at the subsequent press conference. This French sentence could be translated as “Together we are strong”. Was it a conscious choice of clothes on the part of the 50-year-old? Not to be finally dissolved. And yet the phrase fits particularly well with lilies these days.
After all, it was important to present themselves as a unit, especially after that sporting nightmare Saturday against FC Augsburg. To show attitude, to remain stable. Not to put on another performance that was characterised by so many individual blackouts. Many spectators had a bad feeling against the reigning cup winners when after just a few minutes when it was 0-1 the from Lilies perspective. But SV 98 did well this time and didn’t go down. But he fought back steadfastly. As a closed structure that this time did not fall apart into its individual parts.
Yes, after the 6-0 defeat against the Fuggerstädter in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, the South Hessians also lost the duel with the Saxons on the 25th Bundesliga matchday. However, the game in the Saxon city was not preceded by an easy week. Ultimately, we had to first digest this pitch-black day against FCA and then get up again and carry on. This also included sitting down as a team and clearly talking about what it would take to avoid having to live through a day like that a second time. “In a situation like this you have to talk about the disgusting things,” said Tobias Kempe about what he said were very positive and forward-looking conversations during the week.
Unfortunately, the bottom line is another defeat, but it was clear that we are not letting our heads down after last week.
And that’s exactly what had an effect. Of course, it was also clear that after a 6-0 defeat, the Lilies didn’t exactly travel to Saxony with the greatest of confidence – but with the absolute will to present themselves with their heads held high. “Unfortunately the bottom line is another defeat, but it was clear that we are not letting our heads down after last week,” emphasised Kempe. Something that Christoph Klarer also underlined with appreciation: “We showed character and attitude.” Torsten Lieberknecht therefore classified the performance in Leipzig as “a small step forward” despite the defeat.
And that although his squad was weakened by replacements – with Holland, Nürnberger, Mehlem, Bader, Riedel and Maglica, six potential regular players were out due to injuries – they suffered a bitter setback after just three minutes due to Thomas Isherwood’s unfortunate own goal. While the first goal against Augsburg was followed by numerous more, SV 98 in Leipzig remained steadfast even after being behind early on. “We left our hearts on the pitch,” praised Kempe. The lilies, they fought. And ran – at 118.23 kilometers, a good two more than the Leipzig team. But the truth is that the Saxons deserved to win – 29:9 shots on goal, 64 percent of ball possession and, at 62 percent, a significantly better tackle rate. Darmstadt 98, on the other hand, was hardly able to develop the necessary offensive power, with a few exceptions. However, none of these points were surprising given the quality of the top-class Leipzig team. After all, the Saxons are currently the fifth best team in Germany and could have easily made it into the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Real Madrid during the week.
A brutal quality that, from Lilien’s point of view, the Leipzig team can bring back to the field next Friday (March 15th) in the away game against 1. FC Köln, who are also in a relegation battle. “All the best for you and your boys for the next games – especially for the next one,” Torsten Lieberknecht concluded his opening statement at the press conference. Words that also resonated with the Leipzig head coach. Marco Rose: “If you wish us luck against Cologne, then you can tell that you’re on fire. And I like that.” Because even though the Lilies are in 18th place in the table with just 13 points, the relegation place is only five points away and is therefore still within reach with nine match days left to play. A circumstance that allows SV 98 to remain optimistic. The fact that this was anything but feigned optimism was once again underlined by the statements made by the Darmstadt protagonists after the final whistle. Players and coaches conveyed a credible message: They believe in it, they will fight for the big dream. Kempe: “Everything is still possible for us. We never give up.“
Before the Lilies compete in the direct relegation duels with Bochum, Cologne and Mainz after the international break, none other than the German record champions will be visiting the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor next week (March 16th/3:30pm). A Herculean task, of course. “But that’s exactly what we wanted: that the best teams get to the Bölle,” emphasised Klarer and added: “The club has worked incredibly hard over the last few years to get into the Bundesliga.” Games like that are exactly what they’re playing for to be allowed.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
A special place of remembrance for one of the most famous Darmstadt fans. Before SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be officially opened.
Darmstadt's league campaign resumes on Sunday (August 30th). Their opponent? Hannover 96! Hannover 96 have lost more often to Darmstadt than to any other team in the 2. Bundesliga. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.
On Sunday (August 30, 2026, 1:30pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. Starting this season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there is a Bölle Bande family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance.
In Wednesday's media briefing, Nicolas Verkooijen spoke about his Kickbase team, communication within the squad, and the intensive training in Germany. A former Darmstadt 98 player had the opportunity to compete against the best footballers, and we report on the historic stadium tour as part of the Bundesliga's founding anniversary celebrations. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board"
A journey to the roots of the Lilies: Where churches, residential buildings, or clubhouses stand today, Darmstadt football history was once written. To mark the Day of German Football History, 35 participants set out on a special tour of discovery aboard the professional team's bus—tracing the path from the early pitches of FK Olympia and SC Darmstadt to the club's current home at the Böllenfalltor.