Saïd El Mala 'fired up' after leading Cologne to Rhine derby victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach
Saïd El Mala’s stunning winner earned Cologne a much-needed 2-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Rhine derby. While the hosts celebrated a crucial three points, Gladbach’s miserable start to the season continued as new head coach Alexander Blessin suffered defeat in his first game in charge.
With just four points from their opening four matches and pressure mounting on head coach René Wagner, Cologne entered the 101st Bundesliga Rhine derby under considerable duress. Things were even more dire for their visitors, however, with Borussia Mönchengladbach arriving without a single point this season and already having made a managerial change.
It was a derby between two sides desperate for a result, and Cologne ultimately emerged victorious thanks to two spectacular goals, which prompted wild celebrations at the RheinEnergieStadion.
“I’ve never been so fired up for a game before. It feels absolutely incredible,” El Mala stated afterwards, enthused after netting the decisive goal.
The newly-capped German international was the hero of an entertaining encounter between the fierce Rhineland rivals. Ísak Jóhannesson had given Cologne the lead with a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area in the 26th minute, before Joe Scally headed home an equaliser for Gladbach 13 minutes later.
However, El Mala had the final say, cutting inside from the left before unleashing a stunning strike into the far corner in the 67th minute, sending the home faithful into raptures.
“I practise that move every day in training, and it’s paying off,” explained the youngster. “But it wasn’t my first chance. I could have gone home with a hat-trick today if I’d been a little more clinical in front of goal.”
Despite his self-criticism, there was little doubt about the significance of his contribution. With his interview complete, El Mala was eager to join his teammates in celebrating.
“Now we’re going to tear the dressing room apart!” he exclaimed.
By contrast, Gladbach’s new head coach Alexander Blessin faced a difficult introduction to life at the Foals' helm. Following the final whistle, the visitors thanked their travelling supporters, who were understandably frustrated after watching their side lose a fifth consecutive Bundesliga match. Blessin stood alongside his players in front of the away end, before defending their performance in his post-match interview with DAZN.
“I don’t want to sugarcoat anything, but I can’t fault the lads. We gave absolutely everything for more than 90 minutes,” insisted Eugen Polanski's successor.
While Gladbach remain rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga table, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Blessin to take away from the game. The visitors went close to notching a late equaliser several times and generated a better xG than the Billy Goats in the first half.
Certainly, if they can build on this performance going forward, it is surely only a matter of time before points - and wins - start to follow.
