Said El Mala speaks of “relief” after match-winning display in Rhine derby
| El Mala provided a match winning display vs. Gladbach earlier on | Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images |
The 20-year-old proved to be the difference-maker at the RheinEnergieStadion on Sunday evening, scoring in the 66th minute to secure bragging rights for Köln in the latest edition of the Rhine derby.
El Mala was particularly influential after the break, repeatedly threatening the Gladbach defence and coming close to adding to his tally as the hosts turned their dominance into a winning goal.
Speaking after the final whistle, the winger made no secret of what the victory meant to him.
“I’ve never been so fired up for a game. It just feels incredibly awesome to keep the points here,” El Mala said, before adding: “I’d say we’re derby winners.”
The German international was understandably delighted to have played such a decisive role, particularly after a spell in which goals had proved harder to come by.
“I’ve had a bit of a rough patch these past few weeks,” he admitted. “It was a huge relief, a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
Despite his match-winning contribution, El Mala felt he could have been even more productive in front of goal, suggesting he had the opportunities to leave the pitch with a hat-trick.
“I could have gone home with a hat-trick if I’d been more clinical,” he explained. “What sets me apart is that I don’t give up and I keep going.”
His winning strike was a trademark effort, cutting inside from the left before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot from around 18 metres.
“It’s my move; I practise it every day, and eventually it pays off,” El Mala said.
The celebrations that followed reflected the significance of the moment, with the Köln supporters erupting as the youngster put his side ahead. El Mala was equally enthusiastic when describing the reaction from the stands.
“Unbelievable how they all shouted at me,” he said. “That was simply awesome. That’s what you play football for.”
However, the winger’s celebrations also included a gesture towards the visiting supporters, which he later explained was a response to Gladbach players celebrating Joe Scally’s equaliser in front of the home crowd.
“I saw a Gladbach fan celebrating in front of our end. That’s unacceptable,” El Mala revealed, describing his own reaction as “a small act of retaliation”.
“You don’t do that in front of our fans, it’s simply not right.”
While the victory is likely to be celebrated enthusiastically in the Köln dressing room, El Mala acknowledged that the team’s attention must quickly turn towards their next assignment, with a trip to Eintracht Frankfurt scheduled for Friday.
“The changing room will definitely be torn down, I can promise that,” he added, although the short turnaround leaves little time for extended celebrations.
For El Mala, however, the derby victory offered more than just three points. His decisive contribution provided a timely response to his recent struggles in front of goal, while further endearing him to the Köln faithful with a performance to remember.
