Braunschweig and Darmstadt shared the spoils in a captivating 2. Bundesliga encounter on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with a final score of 2-2. Eintracht Braunschweig, fueled by a strong first-half performance, initially appeared poised for a statement victory over league leaders Darmstadt 98, but a resilient second-half display from the visitors secured a valuable point.
The draw lifts Braunschweig to 12th in the 2. Bundesliga standings, representing a positive response to their recent defeat. For Darmstadt, the point extends their unbeaten league run and maintains their position at the summit, though Hannover 96 are closing the gap following their 3-2 win against Hertha BSC.
Braunschweig goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the result. “Before I would have said ‘positive’, now it’s a bit annoying,” he said following the match. “We didn’t defend consistently to the end, that’s really annoying. And you still take the point. We have to collect diligently. A point against the league leaders – you don’t have to hide about that. Still, it feels so-so.”
“Lions” Roar in the First Half
The match began with Braunschweig demonstrating greater attacking intent. Aaron Opoku had an early opportunity in the 7th minute, but his attempt following a diagonal pass from Robin Heußer lacked composure. Four minutes later, Opoku again threatened, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area that was well-saved by Darmstadt keeper Marcel Schuhen. Kevin Ehlers also came close in the 13th minute, but was again denied by Schuhen.
Braunschweig’s early pressure paid off just before halftime. A long throw-in from Jovan Mijatovic in the 39th minute led to a foul inside the Darmstadt penalty area, with Hiroki Akiyama penalized for pulling Lukas Frenkert’s jersey. Mehmet Aydin confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 41st minute, giving Braunschweig a 1-0 lead.
The hosts continued to press, and deep into first-half stoppage time, they doubled their advantage. Another long throw-in from Mijatovic was flicked on by Patrick Nkoa, finding Johan Gomez, who guided his finish past Schuhen with the aid of the post, sending Braunschweig into the interval with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Maglica Rescues a Point for Darmstadt
Darmstadt emerged for the second half with renewed urgency. Their response was swift, as Matej Maglica halved the deficit in the 56th minute, rising highest to head home a cross from Sergio López.
Darmstadt continued to apply pressure, and Braunschweig’s Erencan Yardimci entered the game in the 58th minute, replacing Mijatovic. Despite the change, Darmstadt continued to push forward, and in the 78th minute, Maglica struck again. Following a header from Killian Corredor, Maglica was on hand to tap home his second goal of the afternoon, leveling the contest at 2-2.
Despite the late equalizer, Braunschweig remained competitive, and the match concluded with both teams demonstrating attacking intent. However, no further goals were scored, resulting in a draw that leaves Darmstadt at the top of the 2. Bundesliga table and Braunschweig climbing slightly in the standings.
22nd matchday, February 14, 2026 1:00 p.m
R.-T. Hoffmann – Ehlers, Nkoa, Frenkert – Opoku (70. Ranos), Heußer (84. S. Sané), Aydin (70. Flick), Marie, Gómez, Bell Bell (84. Di Michele Sanchez) – Mijatovic (58. Yardimci)
2
Schuhen – López, P. Pfeiffer, Maglica, Nürnberger (73. Holland) – Klefisch, Akiyama (46. N. Schmidt), Richter (90.+3 Vukotic), Marseiler – Papela (73. Lakenmacher), Corredor (90.+3 Furukawa)
2
Tore
- 1:0 Aydin (41., Foulelfmeter)
- 2:0 Gómez (45. +2)
- 2:1 Nebula (56.)
- 2:2 Nebula (78.)
