2. Bundesliga Preview: 1. FC Magdeburg vs. SV Darmstadt 98
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Darmstadt will hope to sit top of 2. Bundesliga on the opening night of matchday 26 as they face bottom-placed Magdeburg. After their 13-game unbeaten streak came to an end in Dresden, Florian Kohfeldt’s side are back to winning ways at home against Holstein Kiel.
Kohfeldt shared his surprise at Magdeburg’s league position ahead of the game. Following a strong end to 2025, Patrick Sander’s team dropped to the bottom of the league once again with four successive defeats.
However, they did manage a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at Böllenfalltor. Darmstadt finished that matchday 9 game with ten after Sergio López’s sending off for two bookable offenses.
The 65-year-old Magdeburg boss is unbeaten against Darmstadt as a coach, while he also enjoyed playing them in his playing career. The hosts could also get inspiration from the fact that Darmstadt are winless away from home since matchday 12.
Team News
Fraser Hornby, who has scored five goals in only five appearances this year, will continue to be on the sidelines due to illness. Laurin Ulrich was subbed off during half-time in Magdeburg’s defeat to Elversberg, and Lubambo Musonda will now be expected to regain his starting berth.
Predicted Lineups
Magdeburg: Reimann ©; Musonda, Hugonet, Müller, Nollenberger; Michel, Mathisen, Stalmach; Pesch, Zukowski, Atik
Darmstadt: Schuhen ©; Lopez, Pfeiffer, Maglica, Nürnberger; Klefisch, Schmidt; Richter, Marseiler; Lidberg, Corredor
