El Mala’s older brother scores in Köln’s five-star pre-season start

Said El Mala played in Köln’s first pre-season game as René Wagner’s side beat their academy partner club FC Rheinsüd Köln 5-0. His older brother Malek, who was reported to be one of the reasons for the failed transfer of the Germany U21 international to Brentford, was among the goal scorers for Effzeh.

Luca Waldschmidt, who is in the last year of his contract at the club, opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Youssoupha Niang’s header doubled Köln’s advantage before the break. The 20-year-old winger will hope for more playing time in the upcoming season.

Apart from the young center-back Yannick Mausehund, Wagner replaced the entire team for the second-half. Marius Bülter scored a brace with a first-time finish and a penalty-kick, sandwiched by Malek El Mala’s excellent finish. The 21-year-old is yet to feature in a competitive game for Effzeh.

Köln will start their Bundesliga campaign at home against one of Bülter’s former clubs, Hoffenheim, a week after facing Würzburger Kickers in the cup.