El Mala gushes: “It just feels brilliant”

Cologne’s match-winner is celebrated by the fans – and shows his support for his manager.

Even after being substituted in the 81st minute, Said El Mala was celebrated by the fans, saying he had “goosebumps”; after the final whistle, he savoured the thrilling cup victory arm in arm with his brother Malek. “We’ve shaken off our frustration; it just feels brilliant,” enthused 1. FC Köln’s match-winner after the 5–0 (1–0) win against Union Berlin.

The atmosphere in Müngersdorf, amidst pouring rain, was “mad”. “Today was beyond anything else. It was great fun playing with the lads. We threw ourselves into every challenge and were raring to score goals,” said El Mala: “At some point, the deadlock breaks. I think today was the day.”

El Mala stands up for manager Wagner

The international, who scored two goals himself (32’/60’) and set up another for Linton Maina (51’), also backed his manager, who had recently come under fire. René Wagner had “prepared the team brilliantly” following the lacklustre goalless draw against Schalke 04 at the weekend. “That’s the reward,” said El Mala. He was “absolutely delighted for René”.

However, there isn’t much time to savour the moment; after all, the two sides face each other again in the Bundesliga this Sunday (3.30 pm) in Köpenick. The thrilling progress to the round of 16 “definitely gives us plenty of confidence. But we don’t want to rest on our laurels – it’s always tough against Union,” said El Mala.