SV Darmstadt 98 Crush FC 08 Homburg in Preseason Blowout

German 2. Bundesliga side SV Darmstadt 98 delivered a dominant attacking display to thrash FC 08 Homburg of the Regionalliga Südwest 5-1 in an international club friendly on July 15, 2026. The match, held at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor in Darmstadt, served as a significant statement of intent for the hosts as they build towards the new season.

First-Half Onslaught

Darmstadt came flying out of the blocks, scoring twice within the opening 15 minutes. The first goal came through a clinical finish from striker Filip Stojilković, who turned his marker inside the box before firing low into the corner. The second arrived shortly after when midfielder Tobias Kempe curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner, leaving the Homburg goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The hosts continued to dominate possession, and a third goal before half-time effectively ended the contest as a competitive affair. A quick combination on the right flank ended with winger Mathias Honsak crossing for Stojilković to score his second of the night with a powerful header.

Second-Half and Homburg's Consolation

Darmstadt showed no signs of easing up after the break. They added a fourth goal in the 54th minute when substitute forward Aaron Seydel tapped in from a rebound. Homburg did pull one back in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse to score from close range, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Darmstadt restored their four-goal advantage in the 78th minute with a well-worked team goal finished by young winger Fabian Bredlow, who slotted home after a neat one-two.

The scoreline could have been even larger, with Darmstadt hitting the woodwork twice in the second half and forcing several fine saves from the Homburg goalkeeper.

Analysis and Looking Ahead

SV Darmstadt 98 manager had ample reason to be pleased with his side's offensive firepower. The fluid front three caused constant problems, and the midfield trio of Kempe, Marvin Mehlem, and Luca Pfeiffer controlled the tempo throughout. Defensively, while the clean sheet was lost, the overall structure was solid.

For FC 08 Homburg, the friendly was a harsh lesson in the gap between divisions. They will take positives from their spirited second-half effort but must work on defensive organization against higher-caliber opposition. Darmstadt, meanwhile, appear well set for a competitive 2. Bundesliga season, with depth and sharpness already on display.