Darmstadt 98 crushes VfR Fehlheim 8‑0 in summer friendly

Darmstadt 98 impressed on July 11 2026 in their second pre‑season match, beating VfR Fehlheim 8 to 0. The decisive win sends a strong signal for the upcoming 2. Bundesliga campaign and confirms manager Florian Kohfeldt's attacking options.

How did the match unfold?

The hosts pressed immediately, registering their first shot in the seventh minute, but the goal did not come. Fynn Lakenmacher seized the chance after about 60 seconds, putting the team ahead 1‑0 (8′). Shortly after, Ibrahim El Kadiri curled a beautiful shot into the top corner (11′) and Matthias Bader struck from 14 metres (12′). The game stayed tight until the 38th minute, when Manolo Merx, assisted by Lance Duijvestijn, added the fourth goal. Just before the break, Alexander Brunst made a superb save to deny Paul Hebel.

What does the result mean for the squad?

The win highlights the depth of the roster: at halftime Kohfeldt swapped nine players, including U21 prospects. Lars Kehl calmly converted a penalty after Yosuke Furukawa was fouled in the box (58′). Matej Maglica used his aerial dominance for the sixth goal (76′) and repeated the feat eight minutes later (82′). The final strike came from U21 forward Mika Schlosser (84′). The versatility and stamina of the substitutes give the manager confidence in the red‑white options for the season.

Who stands out for the upcoming campaign?

Several players catch the eye: Lakenmacher showed early instinct, while El Kadiri and Bader confirmed their finishing ability. Merx, already active in midfield, proved a goal threat. Maglica, a tall centre‑back, displayed offensive power on set‑pieces. Young talents Brunst, Schlosser and Furukawa earned valuable minutes, underscoring the squad's depth.

What’s next for Darmstadt 98?

Following this convincing friendly, another pre‑season match will fine‑tune Kohfeldt's tactical approach. The team will now use the insights gained to solidify the game plan and boost fitness before the official season kicks off in August. Fans can expect an attacking, flexible side that has already set clear tones during the summer.