SV Elversberg ended their winless streak with a decisive 3-0 victory over SV Darmstadt 98 at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on February 8, 2025. This match marked the continuation of Darmstadt's woes as they dropped to their fifth consecutive loss, leaving them with serious concerns about their season.
The game opened with high hopes from the visiting team, buoyed by earlier successes against Darmstadt, having defeated them 4-0 in their previous encounter. It was clear from the outset, though, which team was more determined. Elversberg quickly took control, and their captain, Robin Fellhauer, set the tone for the match with a spectacular long-range goal.
Just 12 minutes in, Fellhauer unleashed a stunning shot from 24 meters, rocketing it past the Darmstadt goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen. The ball, traveling at approximately 120 km/h, found the top left corner, showcasing Fellhauer's skill and precision. This opening goal not only gave Elversberg the lead but also provided them with the confidence to dominate the ensuing play.
Darmstadt attempted to respond but struggled to find the back of the net. The home team had chances, with Merveille Papela missing the best opportunity at the 31-minute mark, sending his shot wide. Elversberg, on the other hand, efficiently capitalized on their chances. Maurice Neubauer doubled their lead just before halftime, scoring after another well-constructed fast break.
At 42 minutes, Neubauer, receiving exceptional support from Muhammed Damar, finished calmly after being set up with precision. This two-goal cushion going to halftime left Darmstadt coach Florian Kohfeldt facing mounting pressure as his team headed to the locker room.
After the break, Darmstadt was desperate to turn the tide. Despite their best efforts, they remained unable to penetrate the Elversberg defense effectively. They seemed to lack the necessary sharpness, with another missed chance coming from Fynn Lakenmacher early on.
On the other hand, Elversberg remained poised and quickly ended any hopes of a comeback. Fisnik Asllani found the net at the 64-minute mark following another swift counterattack, ensuring Elversberg's victory was secure. This goal reflected the visitors' efficiency and dominance throughout the match.
The situation exacerbated for Darmstadt when Fabian Nürnberger was shown red for violent conduct against Elias Baum after losing his composure amid growing frustrations. His dismissal came as the culmination of Darmstadt's overall disappointment, as they struggled under the mounting pressure.
Post-match, Kohfeldt expressed his frustration, noting, "Die Spiele laufen aktuell nicht in unsere Richtung," highlighting his side's continual struggles. Conversely, Elversberg’s coach, Horst Steffen, reflected on the victory as a significant resolve, stating, "Es war hart umkämpft und die Jungs mussten richtig fighten, um das Spiel zu gewinnen."
This win for Elversberg has revitalized their campaign, pushing them closer to the upper section of the league standings with 32 points, marking their recovery from previous poor performances. Meanwhile, Darmstadt remains mired mid-table with looming questions about their ability to compete effectively this season. The Lilies will need to regroup and find solutions quickly as they prepare for their next match against Braunschweig.