Bundesliga
Saïd El Mala rescued a draw for Cologne with a stunning strike in a 1-1 stalemate with Augsburg on Matchday 7.
Cologne 1-1 AugsburgGoals: 0-1 Rieder 54’, 1-1 El Mala 76’ (assist: Bülter)
Having had contrasting starts to the season, both sides were keen to pick up back-to-back Bundesliga wins, something Augsburg had failed to do since March.
Cologne had enjoyed a strong beginning to their Bundesliga campaign, accumulating ten points from six games, nearly matching their entire first-half haul from their previous top-flight season. Augsburg, meanwhile, stopped a run of four consecutive defeats with their victory over Wolfsburg last time out.
Augsburg began the match on the front foot, their high pressing causing problems for the home side. Kade had the first attempt after five minutes but failed to hit the target after cutting inside from the right wing.
Cologne gradually grew into the contest, with Jakub Kamiński forcing a save from Finn Dahmen after 13 minutes. A lovely flowing move saw Sebastian Sebulonsen whip in a dangerous cross that required a vital intervention from Kade to deny Kristoffer Lund at the back post.
The best chance of the half came after 26 minutes when Luca Waldschmidt and Jan Thielmann combined beautifully to set up Kamiński, whose curling effort struck the outside of the right post with Dahmen beaten.
After a goalless first half, Augsburg started the second half brightly, taking the lead in the 54th minute from the penalty spot. Kade weaved his way into the box before being brought down by Dominique Heintz, leaving referee Timo Gerach with no choice but to point to the spot.
Fabian Rieder stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty into the roof of the net, giving Marvin Schwäbe no chance. Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok responded immediately, making attacking substitutions with El Mala and Marius Bülter entering the fray.
As Augsburg looked increasingly comfortable with their lead, a moment of individual brilliance changed everything. In the 76th minute, El Mala picked up the ball on the left flank, drove inside and unleashed a ferocious right-footed strike from just inside the box that flew into the top corner via the underside of the crossbar.
Cologne pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but couldn't find a way through as both sides were forced to settle for a draw.
Despite only playing 31 minutes as a substitute, El Mala made a decisive impact on the match with his stunning equaliser. The 19-year-old, who scored the winner against Hoffenheim last time out, showed remarkable composure and technique to create space for himself before finding the top corner with a spectacular finish.
His introduction changed the dynamic of the game, providing Cologne with greater attacking impetus and creativity in the final third. With just 17 minutes played for every shot taken in the Bundesliga this season, El Mala is quickly establishing himself as one of the league's most efficient finishers and a key player for the promoted side.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Cologne 0.6 - Augsburg 0.98
Fastest player: Sebastian Sebulonsen (Cologne), 34.44 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Saïd El Mala (Cologne), 4.68 per cent
Most pressed player: Fabian Rieder (Augsburg), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Marvin Schwäbe (Cologne), +1.54
Fantasy Heroes: Timo Hübers (Cologne, 318 Points), Kristoffer Lund (Cologne, 229 Points), Chrislain Matsima (Augsburg, 237 Points)