In a tightly contested match, SV Darmstadt 98 secured their place in the second division of German football with a 1:1 draw against SC Preußen Münster on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The Lilies, as they are affectionately known, ensured their survival in the league with this crucial point, leaving them ten points clear of the relegation zone.
It was a game that started slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm early on. Darmstadt's Killian Corredor had the first significant chance in the 27th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved by Münster's goalkeeper Johannes Schenk. The home side responded with a shot from Babis Makridis in the 39th minute, but it was also kept out by Darmstadt's Marcel Schuhen.
As the first half drew to a close, it seemed the teams would go into the break at 0-0. However, in the first minute of stoppage time, Luca Marseiler broke the deadlock. After a clever one-two with Isac Lidberg, Marseiler found himself one-on-one with Schenk and coolly slotted the ball into the net, giving Darmstadt a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The second half began with drama as a potential penalty for Darmstadt was overturned after a lengthy video review. Initially, referee Lukas Benen had pointed to the spot following a foul by Joshua Mees on Corredor, but after consulting VAR, he decided there was insufficient contact to warrant a penalty.
Just moments later, the tide turned for the home side. In the 63rd minute, Mees equalized for Münster with a powerful header from a Marc Lorenz cross. The goal injected confidence into the Münster players, who were desperate for points in their fight against relegation.
With the score level, the match turned into an end-to-end affair. In the 71st minute, Holmbert Fridjonsson came close to giving Münster the lead, but his header crashed against the crossbar. The pressure continued to mount on Darmstadt as Münster pressed for a winner, with Makridis firing a long-range effort over the bar in the 77th minute.
Darmstadt, on the other hand, struggled to regain their earlier momentum. Fraser Hornby had a chance to put his team ahead again in the 83rd minute, but his shot went narrowly wide. As the match wound down, both teams had opportunities, but neither could find the decisive goal.
As the final whistle blew, Darmstadt celebrated their survival in the league, while Münster was left to ponder their next match against 1. FC Magdeburg on May 2, 2025, where they must continue their fight to avoid relegation.
With three matches remaining, Darmstadt is mathematically safe from relegation with 39 points, while Münster remains in a precarious position, now tied on points with Ulm but facing the drop due to a poorer goal difference.
Darmstadt's coach Florian Kohfeldt expressed relief at securing safety. "We knew this match was crucial for us, and I'm proud of how the team performed under pressure," he said. Meanwhile, Münster's coach Sascha Hildmann was disappointed but optimistic. "I saw a really good game from my team, but I wish we could be rewarded for our efforts. We're on the right path," he remarked after the match.
The next fixture for Darmstadt will be against Hamburger SV on May 3, 2025, where they can play with the freedom of having secured their league status. For Münster, every point is vital as they look to navigate through a challenging end to the season.
