The SC Paderborn secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over SV Darmstadt 98 in their first home match of 2025.
Felix Platte, the former Darmstadt player, scored the decisive goal with just over half of the first half played, but it was his unfortunate early exit due to injury shortly after the goal which added to the drama of the day.
Darmstadt had entered the match aiming to capitalize on their home advantage, but they struggled to convert significant possession (60%) throughout the game. "The more seasoned team won today," remarked Darmstadt's coach Florian Kohfeldt post-match.
The match began with early intensity as Paderborn had what looked like the opening goal disallowed for handball just three minutes in. The drama continued as the two teams battled through hefty midfield presence with both sides competing for tactical dominance. Paderborn was particularly effective from set-pieces, constantly pressuring the Darmstadt defense.
Ex-Darmstadt player Marvin Mehlem posed challenges for his former team, especially when he assisted Platte’s goal. The goal came following another corner where Mehlem's header found Platte, who managed to stab the ball past the keeper Marcel Schuhen, putting the visitors up 1-0.
Platte’s goal turned out to be bittersweet as he was injured soon after, forcing him to leave the field, quite the scenario for both player and team, as he had just broken the deadlock for Paderborn.
After the break, Darmstadt sought to regain control. Fraser Hornby had opportunities (52nd and 56th min), but faced the resolute Paderborn keeper, Manuel Riemann, making his debut. Riemann’s performance was stellar, earning him praise as he made key stops to preserve the Paderborn lead.
During the match, the defensive line led by Marcel Hoffmeier and assisted by others, contributed immensely to Paderborn's effectiveness. Despite Darmstadt's increased pressure and multiple attacking substitutions late in the game, they could not break through Paderborn's organized defense.
Jean-Paul Boëtius was among the substitutes for Darmstadt, making his return after battling illness, which was met with resounding applause but did not yield scoring results.
Try as they might, Darmstadt's efforts to equalize seemed doomed, and their frustration was palpable, ending the match having registered very few clear chances. Each time they seemed to inch closer to the Paderborn goal, they found Riemann waiting, ready to dismiss any threat.
Schuhen remained alert too, showcasing remarkable saves to maintain the slim deficit, reflecting the end-to-end excitement of the match.
The match closed with Paderborn holding on to their lead and collecting three valuable points, reflecting significant progress from their previous performances this season. With this win, Paderborn aims to reconnect with the upper tier of the league standings, having been under pressure after four games without victory.
The next match for Paderborn will see them face SpVgg Greuther Fürth, as they look to build on their recent success, hoping to steer their season positively moving forward. Meanwhile, Darmstadt will have to regroup quickly before their visit to 1. FC Nürnberg next week, where they'll seek to avoid another disappointing result.