A fast-paced start, a disjointed first half after Marcus Müller's sending-off. However, Darmstadt showed a different side at the start of the second half. After an early double strike in the second half from goals by Isac Lidberg and Niklas Schmidt, the team from southern Hesse cruised to a comfortable home victory.
„It was an open game with Kiel having a slight advantage as long as we were playing eleven against eleven. We could have fallen behind in the third minute, and although we did have some attacking moves ourselves, it was predictably difficult for us. Even though the red card helped us, it’s not always easy to play through that. We were very consistent and calm in our play until we were 2-0 up. Then we got a bit sluggish. But we recovered, and in the end, it was a deserved home win after a difficult week for us. A defeat can affect a team, but we handled it very well – especially considering the many key players we were missing. Schuh put it brilliantly in his pre-match speech: We’re not individual players, we’re Darmstadt 98. We knew we were up against a top opponent with a fantastic style of football. We had immense respect for them, and to win this game 2-0 is a huge joy.“
„Congratulations to Flo and Darmstadt on their victory. We made it easier for Darmstadt by playing with ten men. Nevertheless, even with one man less, we tried to give our all and invest everything. Up until the red card, we were playing very well, had scoring opportunities, and really should have taken the lead. After that, it was simply difficult. We worked hard and defended well. Therefore, I can’t fault my team. Apart from the result, I’m very satisfied with them. We’re on a very good path. And we’ll earn our luck.“
„After the red card, the game was really tough. We adapted our game very well in the second half, and the coach recognised that perfectly. We immediately felt we were creating a lot of chances and then scored the goals. Overall, we did very well in the second half. The team is very cohesive. Even when you win games, you honestly assess each other: what went well and what went badly. We’d be happy if everyone is fit; we need that now in this crucial period. You can see how deep the squad is and that you can rely on the lads.“
Regarding his goal:
„I’m happy about my goal, but I’m not going to go off on a tangent and take my clothes off in the locker room (laughs). I’m going to have a nice meal today. Tomorrow is for recovery, and then we want to win in Magdeburg.“
„The first ten to fifteen minutes were very evenly matched. Then, of course, the red card helped us push Kiel back into their own half. However, we didn’t create as many chances in the first half as we had hoped. After the break, we switched to a back four, and after that, it was a very one-sided game. Isac’s goal was the breakthrough, and we had further opportunities after that. It was an absolutely well-deserved victory. We are a very cohesive team where everything fits together very well.“
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.