Said El Mala continues stunning Cologne form with fifth Bundesliga strike
Said El Mala became the third-youngest Cologne player to reach five goals in the Bundesliga as he netted a 92nd-minute equaliser for the Billy Goats against Werder Bremen on Matchday 12.
Cologne appeared to be heading for a third successive defeat at Bremen following Marco Friedl's early goal on Saturday. However, El Mala had other ideas, cutting inside and beating Mio Backhaus in stoppage time to earn his side a valuable point in a 1-1 draw.
That strike was his fifth in the 12 league matches this campaign, meaning he etched his name into the history books.
At 19 years and 95 days, only Lukas Podolski (18 years and 319 days) and Jürgen Jendrossek (19 years and 29 days) have reached a quintet of Bundesliga goals at a younger age for the club.
Watch: Werder Bremen 1-1 Cologne - highlights
"It's always incredible to score in front of so many fans," he said following the game. "We struggled a bit in the first half, even though we had a good game plan. I thought we were better then, apart from that chance where Marvin made a great save in a one-on-one situation."
Meanwhile, teammate Eric Martel was eager to underline what the youngster, who recently received his first senor Germany call-up, brings to the team:
"What makes him stand out is that he's there for the full 90 minutes. He might miss four one-on-ones, but then he's there for the fifth and puts it away. Saïd never gives up and always believes in himself. I'm glad he was able to reward himself."
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