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
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
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: