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The Merck Stadium in Darmstadt becomes the venue for an international football evening – the U21 team celebrates a 3-1 victory over Spain in front of an almost sold-out crowd
The German U21 national team celebrated a real football festival at the Böllenfalltor on Tuesday evening (March 26, 2025) – not only beating the European Championship co-favorites Spain 3-1, but also experiencing how Darmstadt presented itself as a passionate host.
The match was the final dress rehearsal before the U21 European Championship in Slovakia in June – and for the fans as well as for the DFB an impressive example of how international football can work in Darmstadt.
National colors in the stadium, but the heart beats blue and white
Instead of the usual blue and white lily colors, the Merck Stadium was awash in black, red, and gold. Many fans came wearing German jerseys, carrying flags and hats to support the DFB's youth players. And yet, local identity shone through again and again. "We're the Heiners, nobody can beat us!" could be heard, as well as the ever-popular "Come on, Germany, score a goal!".
The Darmstadt fans' passion for football contributed to the special atmosphere – international, yet down-to-earth. It became clear where the game was taking place during the lap of honor: when the loudspeakers played the Bölle anthem "Die Sonne scheint" (The Sun Shines), cheers erupted.
Strong performance from the U21 team: Woltemade scores a hat trick
The match also had plenty to offer in terms of sporting excitement. The German national team impressed with their attacking flair, pressing, and determination. The match-winner of the evening was Nick Woltemade, who scored all three goals for Germany (3rd, 56th, 79th minutes). The Stuttgart striker not only displayed clinical finishing but also flair – his opening goal, a nutmeg and lob, was one of the most beautiful goals the Böllenfalltor stadium has seen in recent memory.
Spain's equalizer in the 19th minute did nothing to change the dominance of the German youth team, who at times put the European Championship co-favorites under pressure. "We saw that we can compete against top teams," said coach Antonio Di Salvo after the match. And Woltemade raved about the atmosphere in Darmstadt: "With that kind of atmosphere, you couldn't help but enjoy the game."
The Böllenfalltor as a stage for international football
The nearly sold-out stadium (16,267 spectators) once again demonstrated that the Böllenfalltor is more than just the home ground of SV Darmstadt 98. It's a place where football is truly lived – with heart, with passion, and with a special regional flair. For the fans, the evening was a highlight outside of Darmstadt's regular match schedule. And for the DFB (German Football Association), it proved that perfect conditions – both organizational and atmospheric – can be found even away from the biggest stadiums.
The match marks the end of the U21 team's direct preparation for the European Championship. The performance in Darmstadt should not only boost the team's confidence but also be remembered as one of those evenings where sport, emotion, and atmosphere came together perfectly.
(RED/as)
