What a turbulent match, what jubilation in stoppage time! Despite trailing 2-1 at halftime, SV Darmstadt 98 fought their way back into the game and celebrated an away victory against Hannover 96 thanks to Hiroki Akiyama's last-minute goal (90+4). The joy over the result and the performance, especially in the second half, was correspondingly immense. We've gathered all the reactions to this spectacular away win for SV 98.
I’m very satisfied here for several reasons. For me, overall it’s a draw. That’s why I’m very pleased that we were able to score shortly before the end. But I’m also satisfied with the performance. We spent a long time considering how to play against Hannover. Last season, we also played against a Christian Titz team, Magdeburg. We decided then that we couldn’t press them. Today, we wanted to play from our own strength. We showed that in the first 15 minutes. We created scoring opportunities and then scored the goal.
Then we conceded a goal from a set piece, which was very unlucky. Hannover then got stronger and, to be honest, they had chances to extend their lead even further after going 2-1 up. But we rallied again just before halftime, and Akiyama had a great chance with his shot that hit the crossbar. We came out strong in the second half and played very well. We had more possession, which isn’t easy against a team like Hannover. The last 15 minutes turned into an open, end-to-end affair. That’s why we go to the stadium, to see a game like this. Today, we were fortunate to come out on top. In the end, we also had chances with Akiyama, even before his goal, and with Papela’s shot that hit the inside of the post and Hornby’s shot that struck the crossbar. I’m happy with the three points and very satisfied with the performance. I have enormous respect for Hannover and the way they play football. Hannover is a top team, and we put in a top performance today.
After going down 1-0, we went through a period where we had a lot of clear-cut chances and should have wrapped up the game by halftime. We can’t afford to regularly concede two or three goals in a home game. Then the overall scoreline becomes too high. I also think it was a good game and Darmstadt put in a good performance. But we set up our defence very specifically because we wanted to cover the space behind us. Then we conceded the first goal when a Darmstadt player ran clear on our goal. We immediately conceded the equaliser in a situation where we left space open, even though we had a numerical advantage. The third goal was the same. We then lost the game because we didn’t defend consistently. So I have to be clear: there are two sides to every story. Firstly, the number of chances, but also how we defended.
„The victory against such a superior opponent feels incredible. We are overjoyed. It was a crazy game – especially for the neutral observer. It was end-to-end. We had to endure a lot against Hannover; they did a great job with their constant positional changes. In the end, we scored the goal on a counter-attack, which has been a strong feature for us in recent games. In the first half, however, we were still too hesitant in the challenges and didn’t go into the duels with the absolute conviction. Then, of course, Hannover played very well in tight spaces. But we always believed in ourselves. The morale was unbelievable; we never gave up. We secured a very important victory against one of the top teams in the league.“
“It was an absolutely top-class match from both teams – especially in terms of the solutions they found with and without the ball. It was complex; two absolute coaching experts were playing against each other today. That was fun to watch. I was very pleased with the courage we showed away from home. And I’m very happy that we were able to translate that into a good result. Hannover had an extremely intense period of pressure towards the end of the first half, investing a lot of energy. That took its toll. After halftime, there was a break in the game. We were then back in control. Our performance against a really good team that demanded everything from us was excellent. When you put in as much energy as we did, the probability of winning is higher. And then, of course, you can snatch victory with a lucky punch just before the final whistle.”
„A victory couldn’t feel much better. In the final stages, it was an open game that could have gone either way. We are very happy about the lucky punch.“
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: