Foto: Mara Wolf 05.06.2025 / English
U21: Successful debut season
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team had a remarkable first season in the Hessenliga, putting in a great performance. Even though they missed out on a slim chance of qualifying for the Regionalliga relegation playoffs on the final matchday (May 31) against Türk Gücü Friedberg, pride in a successful season prevails.
SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team concluded an impressive 2024/25 Hessenliga season with an emotional final match against Türk Gücü Friedberg. In a 3-2 defeat, the young Lilies once again demonstrated their quality and passion – even if it wasn’t enough to secure a victory. A decisive victory by at least three goals would have even put the team in the relegation playoffs for promotion to the Regionalliga.
Promising start
The day began promisingly: Henry Held gave SV 98 the lead in the first minute with a spectacular goal. For much of the first half, the Lilies played good football, showing courage, presence, and enthusiasm.
In the second half, the visitors equalised through Vetter (48th minute) and later took the lead through Yikilmaz (64th minute). But head coach Daniel Petrowsky’s team showed their courage again: Markus Ballmert equalised in the 75th minute, equalizing at 2-2. Friedberg only managed to score the winner shortly before the final whistle through Polichronakis (86th minute).
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf 
Foto: Mara Wolf We started the season with nothing – no team and no place. Today we're in sixth place in the Hessenliga, have the second-best defense behind Fernwald, and have promoted two players, Tim Arnold and Max Pfister, to the first team. That's a huge success.
Successful premiere season
Despite the result, SV 98 looks back on a fantastic debut season for the U21’s. Head coach Daniel Petrowsky draws a completely positive conclusion: „We started the season from scratch – without a team, without a place. Today we’re sixth in the Hessenliga, have the second-best defence behind Fernwald, and have promoted two players to the senior squad. That’s a huge success.“
The U21s were founded a year ago with the goal of giving young talent the opportunity to gain match practice in men’s football at an early stage. „It’s incredible to see the leap many players have made. We’ve not only established ourselves athletically, but have also received a lot of recognition from the league – that shows that our philosophy is working,“ said Petrowsky.
In addition to the positive sporting development, the coach also highlights his team’s learning curve: „A lot of it was new territory for us as a coaching team, too. But together we learned how to hold our own in the Hessenliga. And we did that with an incredibly young team. The way we played football makes us want more.“ Last but not least, strong performances like the narrow victories in Alzenau or at home against Baunatal, and combative performances like the one in the season finale, are symbolic of the team’s strength of character.
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.