“We didn't have a bad game last week and we didn't play badly today either. But in the end that doesn't help. We have zero points,” said Kai Klefisch, summing up the first two matchdays of the 2024/25 second division season briefly and yet succinctly. The Lilies started the new season without anything countable. Because they first lost at home against Fortuna Düsseldorf (0:2) and then yesterday Sunday (August 11th) with a 3-1 defeat at SC Paderborn. While the East Westphalians stepped in front of their home corner after two opening victories with a broad grin on their faces, the Darmstadt team walked in front of the well-filled guest block with a serious expression and initially hanging heads.
“We had big plans after the opening defeat and started with brutal energy,” said Fynn Lakenmacher in the mixed zone, looking back on the initial phase of the game. Lots of high ball wins for SV 98. Always putting the opponent under pressure and even causing danger with well-timed, deep balls. The Lilies achieved all of this at the start of the game. And that’s exactly how the deserved opening goal came about in the seventh minute of the game: winning the ball at the halfway line, a deep pass and a clean and confident finish.
Overall, the Darmstadt team had a strong first 30 minutes. With a lot of power, with a lot of force – without getting into any problems defensively. In this half hour, SV 98 showed its qualities against a self-confident opponent who had already won the opening game in the Berlin Olympic Stadium 2-1 against Hertha BSC. The newly formed team from the Böllenfalltor also made it clear in this phase of the game what potential the team has – good approaches that make you want more and that you can definitely build on. And now for the big “but”.
If you look at the goals we conceded, all three of us could have defended them with the necessary consistency.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t keep it up for the whole game,” complained Kai Klefisch, who saw the Paderborn team getting better and better into the game from the end of the first half. Something that should continue after the break. The East Westphalians turned the duel around with three goals. While the Lilies showed exactly the right consistency with their opening goal, they were unable to do so with all three goals they conceded. “If you look at the goals we conceded, all three of us could have defended them with the necessary consistency,” said Torsten Lieberknecht, annoyed. After a powerful final phase in the first half, Paderborn played particularly well in the second half. With their own supporters behind them, the SCP showed the necessary grip and penetration.
And yet the Darmstadt team could have struck back several times. The southern Hessians tried to find an appropriate reaction. But their own evaluation of chances stood in their way. After the 1-1 draw, Lakenmacher had the lead again. Luca Marseiler and Fraser Hornby could also have turned the game around in promising positions. “We could have conceded a goal against Darmstadt at any time,” even Lukas Kwasniok had to admit. A total of 15 shots on goal and the really dangerous opportunities listed underline the impression of the Paderborn head coach, who also observed a Darmstadt team with “a lot of physical force”. As against Düsseldorf (55:45 percent), the Lilies also had the better duel rate (54:46 percent) on their side against the SCP. In any case, the Darmstadt team has the fourth best duel rate in the league after Hanover, Hamburg and Karlsruhe – all teams that started the season with four points – after two match days.
Back to the scene in front of the guest block, which was still well filled with most of the over 700 Lilien fans who had traveled with us even after the final whistle. The Darmstadt supporters in the block were also disappointed with zero points at the start of the season. And yet they honoured their team’s commitment and willingness to fight on the pitch.
Encouragement for a newly formed troop that still has to grow together – as Lakenmacher also emphasised in front of the microphones. “All arms up,” was the announcement from the block. Clapping together. Looking forward together. With a loud “Let’s go, Darmstadt!” Fight and win!” – in which not only fans but also the players took part – the men were bid farewell on Sunday afternoon. The next challenge is already in sight.
Next Sunday (August 18th/3:30pm) the Lilies have to play against Teutonia Ottensen in the first round of the DFB Cup. In the Millerntor Stadium, SV Darmstadt 98 will face a regional league team who will be willing to cause a cup surprise. But the South Hessians want to counter this with “the utmost seriousness,” as Lakenmacher made clear. “We want to decide this thing for ourselves and gain a sense of achievement,” said our number 19.
The Darmstadt team wants to continue to grow together there in Hamburg. The cup game? The best opportunity to ensure a positive change after the two lost league games. Or, as Kai Klefisch summed it up briefly and yet succinctly on Sunday afternoon: “Perhaps this duel can be a small turning point if we leave there with a positive result and take it with us to the 2nd Bundesliga.”
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here:
Despite falling behind, Darmstadt secured their second consecutive home win! Darmstadt defeated Energie Cottbus 3-1 (1-1). The home side equalised after conceding an early goal in the four-minute period through Weißhaupt before halftime. Vukotic headed his team into the lead in the second half, before Lührs sealed the victory with the third goal. This home win brings Darmstadt's season total to seven points.
Homegame at Böllenfalltor (10/10, 1pm): Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting XI compared to the away match in Wolfsburg three weeks ago. Richter and Mikelbrencis come into the starting lineup for Sickinger (calf issues) and Lannert (illness).
On Saturday afternoon (October 10th, 1pm), SV 98 hosts Energie Cottbus at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for Matchday 7. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kick-off? Who is officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we have compiled all the key information regarding the game against Cottbus in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
Tickets for the league match in Nürnberg (Nov. 7th) and the cup match in Elversberg (Oct. 27th) are available for purchase now.
For the upcoming home match on Saturday (October 10th, 2026, at 1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information. Since the start of the season, we have been offering dedicated entrances for women at the west side of the stadium. Additionally, there is a "Bölle Bande" family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance. Please also take note of the information provided by HEAG regarding the autumn break.