The upcoming 2. Bundesliga clash between Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf promises to be an intriguing encounter between two sides with contrasting ambitions. Scheduled for February 21, 2026, this fixture sees the promotion-chasing Lilies host a mid-table Fortuna side still searching for consistency. Darmstadt’s home record has been exceptional this season, while Düsseldorf have struggled to find rhythm away from home. With both teams coming off draws in their previous outings, the stage is set for a competitive match at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.

Darmstadt 98’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Darmstadt 98 enter this match sitting second in the 2. Bundesliga standings with 42 points, boasting one of the most consistent campaigns so far. Their season record of 11 wins, 9 draws, and just 2 defeats highlights their resilience and balance between attack and defense. The Lilies have been particularly dominant at home, remaining unbeaten with eight wins and three draws. Their attacking efficiency has been impressive, averaging 1.9 goals scored per game while conceding only 1.1.

Recent performances underline their momentum. Over the last five league matches, Darmstadt have collected two wins and three draws, scoring an average of 2.6 goals and conceding 1.4. Their latest outing, a 2-2 draw against Eintracht Braunschweig on February 14, showed both their offensive strength and occasional defensive lapses. Still, their unbeaten streak of five matches demonstrates a team in control of its destiny. Only two of their last ten home games have seen under 0.5 total goals, confirming their attacking intent in front of their supporters.

• League position: 2nd (42 points)


• Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 3 draws, 0 defeats


• Average goals: 1.9 scored, 1.1 conceded


• Home record: 8 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses

With such consistency, Darmstadt approach this fixture as clear favorites, especially given their ability to control matches at home and convert chances efficiently.

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Fortuna Düsseldorf currently occupy 12th place in the 2. Bundesliga with 25 points. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, reflected in a record of 7 wins, 4 draws, and 11 defeats. Despite a solid defensive structure at times, their attack has struggled to produce regularly, averaging 0.9 goals scored per match while conceding 1.4. Their most recent game ended in a goalless draw against Preußen Münster on February 13, a result that extended their decent run of form to just one defeat in five matches.

However, away from home, Fortuna’s performances have been far less convincing. They have lost six of their last nine away fixtures, conceding in 19 of their last 20 on the road. This vulnerability could be a major concern against a free-scoring Darmstadt side. Still, Düsseldorf’s defensive discipline has improved recently, with under 3.5 goals recorded in each of their last 14 league matches and under 1.5 goals at half time in the last 13. Such trends suggest a cautious approach, especially in the early stages of matches.

• League position: 12th (25 points)


• Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat


• Average goals: 0.9 scored, 1.4 conceded


• Recent away form: 3 wins, 6 losses

While Fortuna have shown flashes of improvement, their lack of consistency and defensive fragility on the road remain key obstacles. The team will need to find a balance between containment and creativity if they are to challenge Darmstadt’s dominance at home.

Darmstadt 98 vs Fortuna Düsseldorf – Analysis and Prediction

Historically, meetings between these two sides have been evenly contested, with both teams winning twice and one draw in their last five encounters. The most recent head-to-head, played on September 21, 2025, ended in a 3-0 victory for Düsseldorf. However, current form and home advantage tilt the balance in favor of Darmstadt this time around.

Darmstadt’s attacking rhythm and defensive organization make them a formidable opponent, particularly at home where they have yet to lose this season. Their ability to score consistently, combined with Düsseldorf’s tendency to concede away, points toward a likely home success. Nevertheless, with Fortuna’s recent improvement and their tendency to keep matches tight, a low-scoring affair cannot be ruled out. The data also indicates that both teams tend to score in the second half, which could add late drama to the contest.

Considering the statistical trends and current form, the match is expected to feature a disciplined first half followed by more open play after the break. Darmstadt’s superior efficiency in front of goal and their unbeaten home record make them strong favorites to secure all three points.

Darmstadt 98 vs Fortuna Düsseldorf prediction by BetMines:
Home Win (1) with 49% probability.