Darmstadt 98 advanced in the DFB Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Dynamo Dresden after extra time. Goals from Aleksandar Vukotić, Tobias Kempe, and Isac Lidberg ensured the second-division side’s success, despite a late equalizer from Jakob Lemmer. The match, marked by a poor first half and intense final moments, showcased both teams’ resilience. Dresden’s coach expressed disappointment but emphasized the team’s spirited performance against a higher-division opponent. The next round is set for December 3-4.
Darmstadt 98 Advances in DFB Cup After Thrilling Match Against Dynamo Dresden
Darmstadt 98, competing in the second division, triumphed in a nail-biting DFB Cup second-round encounter against Dynamo Dresden, winning 3-2 after extra time. The visitors from Hesse saw goals from Aleksandar Vukotić (56th minute), Tobias Kempe (90+2), and Isac Lidberg (98th) secure their place in the next round. Meanwhile, Jakob Lemmer (85th/90+11) found the net for Dresden, who compete in the third division.
In a post-match interview, Dresden coach Thomas Stamm reflected on the team’s performance, stating: “The fact that we were able to help shape the game over 120 minutes in many phases against a team that is more likely to finish in the top third of the second division must be the main thing. That must give us energy. But now we are very disappointed.” He emphasized the excitement of the dramatic equalizer in stoppage time, adding: “Everyone believed until the end.”
First Half Lacks Action
The match attracted 31,000 fans to Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, but the first half failed to deliver much excitement. The only real moment of thrill occurred just before halftime when Darmstadt was awarded a free kick. Fraser Hornby’s attempt was deflected by Dresden’s Robin Meißner, hitting the crossbar.
Darmstadt was also frustrated by referee Tobias Stieler, who did not call a penalty when Hornby fell during a challenge in the box in the 18th minute.
Darmstadt Takes the Lead
The second half saw a noticeable improvement for Darmstadt, as Vukotić found the net with a powerful header from a corner kick. He nearly made it 2-0 shortly after, but his shot soared over the bar.
The goal sparked a more lively match, with both teams creating opportunities as Dresden began to push forward.
Equalizer from Lemmer
Despite opportunities for Darmstadt through Lidberg and Hornby, it was Dresden who leveled the score in the 85th minute. Oliver Batista-Meier’s precise cross found Jakob Lemmer, who scored with a header to bring the game to 1-1.
Both Lemmer and Batista-Meier had just entered the fray, and the match was briefly interrupted earlier due to pyrotechnics from the home supporters.
Intense Stoppage Time
The final moments of the match turned frantic. Darmstadt was awarded a penalty after a foul on Lidberg, which Kempe confidently converted to make it 2-1. However, just when victory seemed within reach for Darmstadt, Lemmer struck again in the eleventh minute of stoppage time, scoring from a corner with a powerful shot, igniting the crowd and taking the match to extra time.
Darmstadt Dominates Extra Time
In extra time, Darmstadt seized control of the match. After a critical defensive play by Philipp Förster, the ball fell to Lidberg. From 14 meters out, he scored with a shot that deflected off the left post into the goal, giving Darmstadt a crucial 3-2 lead.
Dresden struggled to respond as Darmstadt held on to their advantage. The round of 16 in the DFB Cup is scheduled for December 3-4, with the draw set to be announced on Sportschau this Sunday at 7:25 PM.