- Darmstadt accelerating at full speed, yet securing merely a single point against their rivals.
SV Darmstadt 98 is still in search of their initial home victory of the year. The Bundesliga relegated squad only managed a 1:1 (1:0) draw against 1. FC Nürnberg and manager Miroslav Klose in the 2. Bundesliga. The Swedish newcomer Isac Lidberg (23rd minute) scored the opening goal for the home team, but substitute Michal Sevcik equalized in front of 17,810 spectators at the packed Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor with a fantastic strike (62nd minute).
"We controlled the game, so naturally, we're upset. We undeniably deserved better," remarked goalscorer Lidberg during an interview on Sky TV. Coach Torsten Lieberknecht also shared his thoughts on the match, sporting a disappointed expression: "From my perspective, it was two points lost. Apart from a few exceptions, we were pushing hard for 95 minutes."
After three games, the team still hasn't secured a victory this season. The Lilies last triumphed at home on October 1, 2023 (4:2 against Werder Bremen). The Franconians faced a challenging time against the determined and energetic Darmstadt team. Fynn Lakenmacher's through pass set up Lidberg for the home team's deserved lead.
Utah-born club debutant and former Darmstadt player Justvan initiated the 1:1. Following that, Jens Castrop had two chances against SVD goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen. Debutant Julian Justvan showcased his skills on the first assist: The former Hoffenheim player had played on loan at Darmstadt during the previous relegation round and was now signed by Nürnberg.
Even after the break, South Hessians persisted in their pressure: Lidberg missed out on the 2:0 from a narrow angle. Unexpectedly, the equalizer came when Justvan set up Sevcik, who scored a stunning goal into the top corner. Sevcik had already netted a goal in the cup victory in Saarbrücken. Nürnberg goalkeeper Jan Reichert then saved his team from a draw with an impressive save in the closing stages.
Despite the setback, Lieberknecht recognized improvement in his team: "The results aren't lining up, but what will align – and I'm fully convinced of this – is our advancement."
Lidberg expressed his frustration post-match, saying, "Despite controlling the game, we're disappointed at not getting the full three points, as we feel we deserved more than a draw." Lieberknecht, on the other hand, highlighted the team's effort, stating, "At full throttle, we gave it our all for 95 minutes, but unfortunately, we couldn't convert our chances and missed out on two valuable points."
