SV Darmstadt 98 is also doing well in the new calendar year and remains the measure of all things in the 2nd Bundesliga for the time being. After a 2-0 (2-0) win against Jahn Regensburg on Saturday and the 19th undefeated competitive game in a row, the Hessians claim the lead in the table. "It was a deserved win for us," said Darmstadt coach Torsten Lieberknecht. This time, however, the lilies also benefited from generous gifts from guests from the Upper Palatinate.

In the 1-0 lead (18th minute) by Braydon Manu, Maximilian Thalhammer lost the ball to Marvin Mehlem after a pass from goalkeeper Jonas Urbig 18 meters from the goal. Four minutes later, Jahn defender Scott Kennedy received a red card for an emergency brake after misjudging a high ball and grabbing Manu's jersey. In the second Darmstadt goal by Fabian Holland with a header (29th), Regensburg captain Benedikt Gimber involuntarily extended the ball.

Lieberknecht didn't want to talk about mistakes made by the guests, he preferred to refer to his own contributions, especially when it came to the first goal: "We knew that the Regensburg team was increasingly trying to open the game with the goalkeeper and we wanted to do it well and press."

Darmstadt midfielder Fabian Schnellhardt, who made his comeback after a long injury break, spoke of "match luck". Before the opening goal, the Upper Palatinate were still the better team. "The first few minutes were jittery with a lot of nervousness and simple ball losses," said captain Holland self-critically after the game. "It was important that we kept a clear head and didn't let it drive us crazy."

But even after the 2-0 lead, the game was not yet decided for coach Lieberknecht. "You know, the expectation in the stadium is even greater that nothing can happen anymore. With the calm of the stadium, because it felt weird for everyone, my team showed quality. We've always had a good remaining defense and we've always been attentive."

Nevertheless, there are some approaches to increase for the upcoming tasks. "Certainly not everything was brilliant," said Schnellhardt. "There are a few little things that we're sure to get a handle on." Forward "there were a few inaccuracies and we sometimes made the wrong decisions".

The Hessians should do that better on Friday (6.30 p.m.) at SV Sandhausen in order to remain successful in the fight for promotion. The league leaders then have to do without offensive player Mehlem, who received the fifth yellow card against Regensburg.

Schedule 2nd Bundesliga Squad SV Darmstadt 98 Table 2nd Bundesliga