FC Köln celebrated a spectacular 3:2 home win over TSG Hoffenheim to kick off the Bundesliga season. A brace from new signing Thijs Dallinga after coming off the bench turned the match around on Saturday at the RheinEnergieStadion.
How did Dallinga perform on his Köln debut?
Thijs Dallinga, recently loaned from FC Bologna, was substituted on in the 65th minute and scored the 2:2 equalizer seven minutes later. According to a report by Bild Sport, the 26-year-old Dutchman finished a cross from Linton Maina. Just ten minutes later, Dallinga netted the 3:2 winner for the Billy Goats. Coach René Wagner told Bild after the match that the striker had promised him a goal once he got into the box. The purchase option for Dallinga is set at around 10 million euros.
The club can use this win, as the injury list is long. Currently sidelined are Luca Waldschmidt, Sebastian Sebulonsen, Timo Hübers, and also the goal-involved Linton Maina. We keep the latest status of absences updated on our injuries page.
What was Said El Mala's role?
Said El Mala, wearing the legendary number 10 shirt, scored the 1:1 equalizer for Köln in the 51st minute. The 20-year-old, who extended his contract until 2031, seemed relieved after the game. "The goal was a small release for me," El Mala was quoted by FAZ. He later had to leave the pitch with cramps. Before the match, sporting director Thomas Kessler had emphasized in FAZ that the contract extension gave the talent a clear base for his development.
What does the departure of Youssoupha Niang mean?
Parallel to the season opener, FC Köln has loaned young forward Youssoupha Niang to FC St. Pauli. As reported by the second-division club's website, the 20-year-old joins the "Kiezkicker" for the entire season. Niang, a product of Köln's youth academy, made ten Bundesliga appearances in the second half of last season. St. Pauli's sporting director Andreas Bornemann praised the physically strong player, who can operate both as a centre-forward and on the wing.
This personnel decision gives another youngster in the squad more room. The complete squad overview can be found on our squad page.
What's next for Köln after the win?
The important first three points give the team momentum for the upcoming tasks. The next challenge is already on September 4th with an away match at VfB Stuttgart. All upcoming fixtures are listed in our fixtures schedule. The performances of Dallinga and El Mala show that FC Köln's attack can be dangerous even under difficult personnel circumstances. The focus is now fully on preparing for Stuttgart.
