SV Darmstadt 98 edged Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-1 in a compelling German Bundesliga 2 encounter on February 21, 2026. Playing at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, the Lilies secured a vital home win in a match that had implications for the promotion race. Darmstadt took control early, scoring twice in the first half through a combination of pressing and precise finishing. Fortuna Düsseldorf regrouped at halftime and pulled a goal back early in the second period, setting up a tense finale. The visitors pressed for an equalizer but found the Darmstadt defense and goalkeeper in determined form, with several key saves preserving the lead. The 2-1 result provided Darmstadt with momentum in their quest for a top-three finish, while Düsseldorf's playoff hopes suffered a slight setback. Post-match, the Darmstadt manager praised his team's first-half intensity, and the Düsseldorf coach acknowledged the difficult start but was pleased with his side's second-half response.