Dusk fell over the artificial turf of the Waldauer Wiesen as the cold noticeably intensified and the floodlights bathed the pitch in a cold, harsh light. The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team had secured a point in a hard-fought, freezing away match, once again demonstrating their fighting spirit and determination. After an exciting first half with a goal apiece, the ball refused to find the net despite numerous attempts in the second half. The match thus ended in a 1-1 draw.
In freezing temperatures and on a frozen, small pitch, SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team played their latest away match against CSC 03 Kassel. The journey there was already arduous, and a tough challenge awaited the Lilies on the field: their opponents defended deep, exploited every lapse in concentration, and were particularly dangerous from set pieces. However, in the eleventh minute, Smail Kadrijaj capitalised on a mistake by Lucas Altmann and fired a shot at the hosts‘ goal, but it was cleared for a corner. The ensuing set piece proved truly costly for the newly promoted side. Kian Rebner curled the ball with such finesse towards the far corner that it nestled directly into the net, giving Darmstadt the lead. But CSC 03 Kassel remained unfazed and continued to press forward. After half an hour, the hosts had found their footing and were putting increasing pressure on the Darmstadt players. From a set piece, Kevin Nenhuber headed the ball into the far corner of the Darmstadt goal. Thus, the score was 1-1 at halftime, leaving everything open for the second half.
The second half began with another chance for Rebner. But this time, his powerful long-range shot crashed against the underside of the crossbar.
After that, CSC continued to press forward but repeatedly missed the decisive goal: Alban Meha’s free kick hit the wall (58th minute), and Nico Schrader’s shot was blocked (78th minute). In the final minutes, the hosts‘ pressure intensified: Finn Bindbeutel won the ball in Darmstadt’s last line of defence and unleashed a shot – but it went wide left. Shortly afterward, Luigi Mignano of SV Darmstadt also came close, hitting the right post.
On the other side, Darmstadt were not only courageous but also effective: The team displayed a strong attacking game and ruthlessly exploited set pieces. The match ended 1-1 – a point gained on difficult ground, which feels very valuable for the U21’s.
With 23 points and 12th place, Darmstadt are teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. To re-establish themselves in the middle of the table, SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team will once again board the bus on Sunday. They will be playing away against 9th-placed SV Rot-Weiss Walldorf. Kick-off is at 3:30pm at the B. Schmitt mobile stadium in Mörfelden-Walldorf.
In terms of attitude, it was a good performance, so we're happy to take a point.
Line-Up: Börner, Kunstmann, Görtler, Karakaya, Alagi, Ballmert, Klappich, Rebner, Zaatan (Herbst, 78′), Schlosser (Mignano, 78′), 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.