Second division leader SV Darmstadt 98 is back in the Bundesliga. The 1-0 (1-0) against 1. FC Magdeburg was enough for the “Lilies” to celebrate promotion on the penultimate matchday.
Darmstadt used the third “match ball” – recently there had been two defeats. Philipp Tietz scored the goal of the day (37th minute).
With the win, the Hessians were able to extend the gap to third-placed HSV to an unassailable seven points. And the party at Böllenfalltor was finally allowed to take place on Friday evening (05/19/2023).
A peaceful attack on the pitch, blissful fans on the pitch, tears in goalkeeper Marcel’s shoes and lots of warm hugs. Midfielder Tobias Kempe yelled into the stadium microphone: “It’s just incredible. We deserve it.”
Goalscorer Tietz cheered on “Sky”: “Next year we’re going to Munich and Dortmund. Now we’re going to celebrate.” It wasn’t easy because “The second league is not an easy league. In the end we are right up there.” The party is likely to continue into the night, as much Tietz revealed: “I would prefer for everyone to come into the dressing room and continue celebrating with us and tearing down the hut.”
Early big chances for Darmstadt and Magdeburg
Right from the start everything was prepared for the big ascension celebration. However, opponents Magdeburg had firmly resolved to do everything to counteract this, and the result was an open initial phase.
Daniel Heber cleared Darmstadt’s Philipp Tietz shot on the goal line (13′), while keeper Marcel Schuhen saved Mo El Hankouri on the other end. After these big chances, the game flattened out.
The tension in the Darmstadt players and in the stands was palpable. The “lilies” tried, but the lightness that had distinguished the team for months was missing after the two setbacks. It was extremely tough for the hosts.
Tietz scores for Darmstadt before the break
Until Tietz paved the way to the Bundesliga with Darmstadt’s twelfth goal of the season. However, before the goal was validated, a VAR review of around two minutes had to be awaited.
After the break, Magdeburg continued to fight back and made life difficult for the “lilies”. The strongest defense in the league was able to rely primarily on goalkeeper shoes, which thwarted some Magdeburg chances.
With the final whistle, the fourth promotion to the Bundesliga after 1978, 1981 and 2015 was perfect for the hosts. After six second division seasons in a row, the 98ers are first class again. Goalkeeper shoes spoke to “Sky” of a dream that has come true: “Today was a moment when a goalkeeper was needed who could save one. That’s what I’m here for.”
Darmstadt as a guest in Fürth, Magdeburg against Bielefeld
On the last matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 is challenged away in Fürth (Sunday, May 28th, 2023 at 3.30 p.m.). Magdeburg welcomes Arminia Bielefeld at the same time.
One goal for the season still remains for the promoted team anyway: the “rim”. Because with 67 points, Darmstadt can no longer be pushed out of the top two places by the pursuers 1. FC Heidenheim and Hamburger SV before the season finale, but they are not yet champions.