Said El Mala scores in first Bundesliga home match with No. 10 shirt
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 12:05 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Said El Mala scored shortly after halftime during his first Bundesliga home match for Cologne, helping the team secure a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim. The 20-year-old forward acknowledged feeling the pressure of wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt previously held by Lukas Podolski. After a missed chance before the break, El Mala leveled the game, relieving personal expectation. Despite cramping up later, he expressed pride in his new jersey and commitment to the team's success moving forward.
- •Said El Mala scored an equalizer in the 51st minute.
- •Cologne's victory marked the opening weekend of the Bundesliga campaign.
- •El Mala missed an opportunity before scoring but remained positive.
- •Former number 10 Lukas Podolski left a legacy for El Mala to fulfill.
- •El Mala remained committed to improving and embracing his responsibilities.
- 12:05 AMYahoo Sports — Said El Mala speaks on increased expectations associated with Lukas Podolski’s No. 10 shirt
"Cologne attacker Said El Mala has admitted feeling the weight of increased expectations after marking his first Bundesliga home appearance in the club’s prestigious No. 10 shirt with a goal. The 20-...
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