2. Bundesliga: Lidberg back on scoresheet as Darmstadt down Kiel

The visitors came very close to opening the score inside the first five minutes, but Marcel Schuhen and Aleksandar Vukotic were there to block the double opportunity. Kiel also restricted their hosts to half-chances, but their striker made their task difficult in the 25th minute.

In only his first start since the turn of the year, Marcus Müller was sent off for two bookable offenses separated by ten minutes. That proved decisive with quickfire goals for Darmstadt early in the second-half.

Isac Lidberg ended his mini-goal drought with his first strike since the opening match of 2026. The 13th goal of the season by the Swedish striker was a result of his calmness in front of goal. A few minutes later, David Zec’s mistake was punished by Niklas Schmidt as Darmstadt doubled their lead.

Schmidt, who has previously worked with Florina Khofeldt in Bremen’s youth team, gets back to his best form after returning to 2. Bundesliga with a loan move from Toulouse.

Darmstadt wasted multiple chances after the break, but the two goals were enough to see them back in second place. Kiel’s winless run continues with Tim Walter’s first two matches at the helm. Braunschweig draw in Paderborn saw Kiel drop down to the relegation/promotion playoff place.