In the 2nd Bundesliga, SV Darmstadt 98 only had to win against Hannover 96 on Sunday (May 14th, 2023), then promotion would have been perfect. But they still have to wait for the party in Darmstadt.
In Hanover, just over half an hour had passed before 96 was already two goals ahead. Havard Nielsen (10th minute) and Cedric Teuchert (31st) scored for Lower Saxony. Although Darmstadt’s Phillip Tietz reduced the penalty before the break (43′), it was the only goal for the league leaders.
Darmstadt ended the game with two field players fewer: First, Matthias Bader saw yellow-red (86′) for repeated foul play, in injury time Braydon Manu also received a second yellow card (90’+3′).
“We delivered athletically. We did many things very well,” said Hanover coach Stefan Leitl. Nevertheless, he is convinced that “the lilies are rising”.
Second defeat in a row for Darmstadt
Last weekend was a disappointing one for Darmstadt, when coach Torsten Lieberknecht’s team lost to FC St. Pauli. Even then, a win would have meant promotion. And now, after the defeat in Hanover, Darmstadt has to postpone the promotion party again.
It’s normal to start thinking, said Darmstadt coach Lieberknecht. “We broadcast too much unrest.” Nevertheless, the focus is still there.
Two games before the end of the season, Darmstadt remains first in the second division with 64 points, four points ahead of Hamburger SV in third place. So it stays the same: A win and Darmstadt rises. Hanover now has 43 points and climbs to eighth place.
Schaub on Nielsen – leadership for Hanover
The first goal in Hanover came after Louis Schaub crossed with the outside of his foot and Nielsen finished with a header. It was the early lead for 96 and Norwegian Nielsen’s eighth goal of the season.
At the second goal, Nielsen then took over the role of foreman and served Teuchert. And Hanover’s top scorer processed the pass well and hit the short corner from a tight angle.
Hanover’s Havard Kallevik Nielsen celebrates after a goal
Darmstadts Manu awards freestanding
Shortly before, Darmstadt’s Manu had the chance to equalize, but he shot over and not into the goal from close range (27th).
Tietz did better a few minutes later when he hit the bottom right corner from 18 meters. For Tietz it was the eleventh goal of the season, he remains Darmstadt’s top scorer. But he couldn’t get a second goal either.
Hanover in Dusseldorf, Darmstadt against Madeburg
At the beginning of the 33rd matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 welcomes 1. FC Magdeburg (Friday, May 19th, 2023 at 6.30 p.m.). Two days later, Hanover is a guest in Düsseldorf (1:30 p.m.).