“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.”
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.
SV 98 remains active in the transfer market. The "Lilies" have signed Christopher Lannert from Arminia Bielefeld.
Friendly matches, fundraising campaigns, and plenty of photos—that’s what the week looked like for SV 98 and the club’s community. Between their 5–1 victory over FC Homburg and the upcoming friendly in Walldorf this Friday (July 17), the „Lilies“ showed their best side for the cameras. In addition, the SV 98 legends team will face an Odenwald select squad on Sunday (July 19th). You can also win great prizes in competitions taking place in Erbach and at the pop-up store in downtown Darmstadt. Lilies Across the Board brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
The Bundesliga finalised the match schedules for matchdays three through six on Wednesday (July 15th): Darmstadt's home game against Hannover 96 on matchday three will take place on Sunday. This will be followed by their away game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday at 1pm. The home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday evening and the away game in Wolfsburg, also on Friday evening, have also been confirmed.
The Lilies can welcome another new arrival at the Böllenfalltor: Florian Kleinhansl will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 25-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with 1. FC Kaiserslautern on June 30th.
Third test, third clear victory. SV 98 won the match against FC 08 Homburg 5-1 (3-0).
SV Darmstadt 98 and the fusion energy company Focused Energy are entering into an official partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to more closely link top-level football and high technology from the Darmstadt region and to jointly generate momentum for innovation and future societal issues.
Killian Corredor will be playing in his home country again in the future. SV 98 has reached an agreement with FC Nantes on the transfer of the Frenchman.
On Tuesday (July 14, 6pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Regionalliga side FC Homburg and asks fans to take note of the following information.
A home game against KSV! SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Holstein Kiel for the opening matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season this Saturday (August 8 at 1pm). Here’s how you can be there: the member pre-sale for the new season's first home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 15) at 12pm —available online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion, as usual. You can find all further details in this announcement.
For every home goal scored by the "Lilies," SV Darmstadt 98 fans were doubly rewarded during the recent 2025/26 second-division season. Beyond the joy and excitement, supporters received 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every goal Darmstadt scored at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
In recent days, various media outlets have published reports and graphics regarding the distribution of TV revenue for the 2026/27 season. Some of these reports included not only specific figures but also a comparison to the previous season. This comparison indicates a supposed revenue increase of €1.4 million for SV 98 compared to the 2025/26 season.