SV Darmstadt 98 is on course for promotion again in the 2nd Bundesliga. The Hessians celebrated a 2-0 (2-0) win against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday (03/18/2023).
Winter newcomer Filip Stojilkovic (36th, 43rd) ensured with his brace that Darmstadt scored three points again after three games without a win and remains the leader with 52 points ahead of Heidenheim (50) and Hamburger SV (49). For Kaiserslautern (39 points) after the fourth away defeat in a row, the dream of joining the top group is probably over.
Kaiserslautern storms, Stojilkovic scores for Darmstadt
At the Böllenfalltor in Darmstadt, the initial phase initially belonged to the courageous guests. However, Terrence Boyd came a step too late in the first attack against 98 goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen (2nd). An Opoku shot only landed on the side netting (10′) and with the greatest chance Marlon Ritter headed just wide of the goal (24′).
Darmstadt, on the other hand, was mercilessly effective – and had the necessary luck: After a corner kick, Stojilkovic headed FCK defender Hendrick Zuck and from his back the ball bounced into the top right corner to make it 1-0. Shortly before the break, the Swiss also used his second chance when Phillip Tietz switched quickly after winning the ball and sent Stojilkovic on a long pass to make it 2-0.
“Lilies” stay on the trigger
In the second half, Kaiserslautern still tried hard to catch up. But the Palatinate didn’t do much in the direction of the goal. Darmstadt had a few opportunities to decide the game early. Tietz narrowly missed with a slanted shot (48th). Braydon Manu was just blocked in the penalty area (65′) and Clemens Riedel’s header after a corner failed at FCK goalkeeper Andreas Luthe’s strong reaction (66′).
Substitute Fabio Torsiello finally had the last big chance. But after a counterattack, the 18-year-old only hit the post (90+2).
After the international break, Darmstadt wants to score more important points in Nuremberg in the fight for promotion (Friday, March 31, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.). A day later, Kaiserslautern has another promotion candidate at home in Heidenheim as an opponent (8:30 p.m.).