In an intense 90 minutes between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf, the Lilies fought back to secure three points shortly before the final whistle. The early lead taken by the team from southern Hesse was quickly erased by the Rhinelanders. The match became increasingly wild and physical. The second half remained evenly contested, but in the end, SV 98 once again demonstrated their fighting spirit: Matej Maglica's late header sealed the three points. What do the players and the two head coaches have to say about this thrilling encounter? We've compiled all the post-match reactions.
„Fortuna played a very good away game. For me, it was a draw overall. Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities and both conceded plenty of chances. Therefore, I’m pleased that we maintained our belief in victory until the very end. We played well offensively at home, scoring a superbly executed first goal. Defensively, however, it wasn’t a good home game for us. We lacked control and compactness. The game could easily have gone the other way, especially when Schuh failed to hold onto the ball against Itten. Overall, I commend my team for their focus and their mentality.“
„Congratulations to Darmstadt 98 and Flo on the win. It’s extremely bitter because we played a really good game. Nevertheless, we’re going home with zero points, which is very frustrating. If we had won here today, no one could have complained. We created many scoring opportunities and controlled the game well. It’s clear that you can’t completely shut down a team with their individual quality. We knew they were dangerous from set pieces. And that’s exactly how we conceded the goal shortly before the end. Overall, we deserved more than zero points today. Therefore, I’m going home with a very bad feeling.“
„It was an open, back-and-forth affair, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time. In the first half, we had good structure and organisation. In the second half, it became a wild, back-and-forth affair. We pursue a playful approach, and in this weather, that’s a bit more difficult. Düsseldorf also had a few chances, but for me, the little things in the game were much more important. For example, the mutual encouragement: that’s what has made us strong so far. I sensed a certain amount of dissatisfaction until we made it 2-1, but we were always present. We have the quality to score from small chances: the corner was perfect, the header was perfect. We’re very happy to take the win.“
„It was a very heated game. The play went back and forth a lot. We actually wanted to be dominant, but we didn’t quite manage that as well as we’d hoped. At the end of the day, though, we have to win games like this. We’re all happy with the three points. Scoring a goal at the last minute in your own stadium is an incredible feeling, it gives you goosebumps. I did score to make it 2-1, but I probably won’t be the top scorer this season (laughs). I just try to be dangerous in front of the opponent’s goal, and I’m happy that worked well today. I also have to give credit to our set-piece coach, Darius Scholtysik, who analyses things well and puts us in the right positions. That’s worked well a few times already this season.“
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.