The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Hessenliga leaders Eintracht Frankfurt II. Despite the loss, the young Darmstadt side displayed impressive fighting spirit, but missed several opportunities to pull a goal back in crucial moments.
Darmstadt traveled to Dreieich knowing they would be facing the strongest team in the Hessenliga. In the first half, Frankfurt pressed with tremendous intensity, varied attacks, and a multitude of set pieces. Darmstadt defended deep and had their work cut out for them, especially with Frankfurt’s powerful set pieces. The sheer number of corners repeatedly caused the Lilies problems. Both goals conceded came from dead-ball situations. In the 16th minute, Maluze headed on a corner, and Sonnenwald tapped it in from close range to give Frankfurt a 1-0 lead. Shortly before halftime, another corner led to Eintracht’s second goal, with Kirchhoff heading the ball on and Dills tapping it in at the far post (45+1). Thus, Darmstadt went into the break trailing 2-0.
After the break, Darmstadt 98 showed a different side. The team played with more courage, repeatedly creating attacking opportunities and having two great chances to make the game exciting again. Twice the Lilies found themselves one-on-one with Siljevic, but were thwarted by the Frankfurt goalkeeper or their own lack of precision. A potential penalty for a foul on Mika Schlosser was not awarded – a decision that sparked much debate. Daniel Petrowsky, coach of the Lilies‘ U21 team, summed it up later. „What striker goes down when he’s through on goal?“ he asked, adding: „We’re going through a difficult period, but the lads didn’t give up. We didn’t fall apart here.“
And that was precisely the point: Despite falling behind, despite Frankfurt’s sharp set pieces, Darmstadt showed resilience, remained solid, and never gave up. As the second half progressed, Darmstadt increasingly neutralised Frankfurt’s attacks, found better solutions in possession, and repeatedly pushed forward. Frankfurt remained dangerous, especially through Ochojski’s precise crosses, but Darmstadt’s defense now held firm. The Blue-Whites ultimately had to concede defeat to the league leaders, but they displayed remarkable character, particularly in the second half.
The winter break comes at just the right time: time to recharge, clear their heads, hit the reset button – and then come back strong in the second half of the season.
The lads fought back, they didn't give up. That was really positive. Now we're going into the winter break and we need to use the time to recover so we can come back strong in the second half of the season.
Line-Up: Börner, Kunstmann (Schnerring, 86′), Görtler, Karakaya (Maier, 86′), Arnold, Ballmert, Klappich (Jaadar, 90′), Rebner, Alagi (Alagi, 46′), Schlosser (Zaatan, 67′), Kadrijaj
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.