Who could have guessed the younger brother would steal the spotlight? Malek El Mala burst onto the Bundesliga scene, netting a late equaliser that secured a point for Cologne at Union Berlin’s Stadion an der Alten Försterei.
Union reshuffled five starters after their 5-0 cup loss to Cologne, while René Wagner tweaked only two positions. Fresh from a brace, Saïd El Mala led the attack, with Malek listed among the substitutes.
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It was physical battle between the teams at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei. – IMAGO/DeFodi.de –>
Haberer strikes early
Union opened brighter, earning an early corner that Kastriot Imeri headed just wide. Yet the hosts struck first within ten minutes when Derrick Köhn found space on the left for Tim Skarke, whose pass set up Janik Haberer to tap home from close range.
Cologne found it hard to answer, offering little beyond the final third, as Union continued to press, rarely troubling goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe.
Janik Haberer celebrates his first goal for Union Berlin. – IMAGO/dts Nachrichtenagentur
Cologne finally gained possession late in the half but failed to craft clear chances. In stoppage time, Livan Burcu rattled a tight‑angle shot, forcing Schwäbe to palm the ball onto his own crossbar, leaving the score at 1‑0 at the break.
Burcu hits the woodwork in first‑half stoppage time. – IMAGO/Nordphoto / Engler
Man of the Match: Malek El Mala
Malek El Mala earned Man of the Match honours with 62 % of the vote after his debut leveller. He entered in the 72nd minute, then struck in the 79th, finishing Saïd’s cross and a flick from Castro‑Montes. For my money, his impact eclipses his brother’s on the day.
Malek El Mala named Man of the Match. – Bundesliga