Cologne’s Said El Mala explains ‘payback’ goal celebration in Bundesliga derby

Cologne matchwinner Said El Mala has explained the provocative goal celebration that followed his decisive strike in Sunday’s 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 20-year-old German international admitted that his gestures towards the visiting supporters were a response to Gladbach celebrating their earlier equaliser in front of the Cologne faithful.

The emotional significance of the moment extended well beyond the Rhein-Derby rivalry. El Mala spent part of his youth career at Gladbach before being released by the club, a setback that makes his subsequent rise to the German national team all the more remarkable.

Sunday’s winning goal came midway through the second half, when El Mala cut inside from the left and unleashed a superb right-footed finish from approximately 18 metres.