In a Bundesliga 2 match that will be remembered for years to come, Darmstadt pulled off an astonishing comeback to defeat Schalke 5-3 at the Veltins-Arena. Schalke seemed to be cruising with a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Tobias Mohr, Moussa Sylla, and Ron Schallenberg. However, Fraser Hornby's penalty gave Darmstadt hope before halftime. The second half saw an incredible turnaround, with Isac Lidberg netting a hat-trick and Sergio López sealing the win. The match was further dramatized by two power outages coinciding with goals, adding to the extraordinary nature of this encounter.

Stage set for a crucial encounter

The Veltins-Arena was buzzing with anticipation as FC Schalke 04 welcomed SV Darmstadt 98 for a crucial Bundesliga 2 clash. Both teams, having experienced relegation from the top flight, were eager to make their mark in the race for promotion. Schalke's coach Karel Geraerts emphasised the importance of the home game, stating, 'We have respect for Darmstadt. This is a team that played in the Bundesliga last season. We absolutely want to win our home game.' On the other side, Darmstadt's Florian Kohfeldt was relishing the challenge, describing the atmosphere as 'incredible' and 'one of the biggest and loudest stadiums in Germany with a strong fan base.'

Tobias Mohr celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Schalke - Christof Koepsel

Schalke's dominant first half

The Royal Blues started the match with intent, and it didn't take long for them to assert their dominance. In the 14th minute, Mohr broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, curling the ball into the right corner past a static Marcel Schuhen. Schalke continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 34th minute when Sylla doubled their lead after a pinball-like sequence in the box. The home fans were in dreamland five minutes later as Schallenberg made it 3-0, seemingly putting the game beyond Darmstadt's reach.

Fraser Hornby converts the penalty to give Darmstadt a lifeline before halftime - IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images

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Darmstadt's lifeline and second-half resurgence

Just as it seemed Schalke would take a commanding lead into the break, drama unfolded in stoppage time. A VAR review revealed a handball by Sylla, and referee Florian Heft pointed to the spot. Hornby stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, giving Darmstadt a glimmer of hope at 3-1. Little did anyone know, this was just the beginning of an extraordinary comeback. The second half saw a transformed Darmstadt side, playing with renewed vigor and belief. In the 56th minute, during a power outage at the Veltins-Arena, Lidberg found the back of the net to reduce the deficit further.

Isac Lidberg celebrates one of his three goals in Darmstadt's remarkable comeback - Christof Koepsel

Lidberg's heroics complete the comeback

As the match entered its final stages, Lidberg took center stage in one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent Bundesliga 2 history. In the 76th minute, the Swedish striker capitalised on a defensive error to level the scores at 3-3, sending shockwaves through the Veltins-Arena. The Darmstadt faithful could scarcely believe their eyes when, just eleven minutes later, Lidberg completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish, giving the visitors an improbable 4-3 lead. The turnaround was complete in the seventh minute of stoppage time when López added a fifth, sealing an unforgettable 5-3 victory for Darmstadt.

Darmstadt players celebrate their incredible comeback victory in front of their jubilant fans - IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images

Lidberg: Darmstadt's hat-trick hero

In a match filled with outstanding performances, Isac Lidberg stood head and shoulders above the rest. The Swedish striker's hat-trick was not just about the quantity of goals, but their quality and timing. His first goal, coming at a crucial juncture, breathed life into Darmstadt's comeback hopes. The equalizer showcased his predatory instincts, while his third goal, a beautifully executed finish, demonstrated his composure under pressure. Lidberg's performance was a masterclass in perseverance and clinical finishing, turning what seemed like certain defeat into an historic victory. His ability to rise to the occasion in such a high-pressure situation marks him out as the undisputed MVP of this extraordinary encounter.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Schalke 3.1831 - Darmstadt 0.8468
Fastest player of the match: Christopher Antwi-Adjei (Schalke), 31.94 km/h
Goal with the lowest probability of scoring: 3:3 by Isac Lidberg (Darmstadt), 2.55 Percent
Pass-Efficiency: Tobias Mohr (Schalke), +10.1

About the clubs

FC Schalke 04

VELTINS-Arena

SV Darmstadt 98

Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor