El Mala stars as Cologne thrash Union 5-0 before Sunday rematch

📰 Said El Mala scored twice and set up another as Cologne thrashed Union Berlin 5-0 to reach the Pokal last 16. 📌 Key points ⚽ Cologne beat Union 5-0 in the Pokal second round on 27 October. 🌟 El Mala scored on 32 and 60 minutes and added an assist. 🤝 Linton Maina also had a goal and an assist, swapping set-ups with El Mala. 📉 Berlin broadcaster rbb called Union's display 'system failure'. 🔁 The teams meet again in the league at Union on 1 November. 📝 What happened 🌧️ It was even for about half an hour in the rain at the RheinEnergieStadion on 27 October. Union pressed early, and Marvin Schwabe saved from Tim Skarke. On 32 minutes El Mala converted Maina's pass to open the scoring. 🤝 Cologne took over after the break. El Mala returned the favour for Maina's goal on 51, then made it 3-0 on his own on 60. Substitute Isak Johannesson added a fourth on 78 and Sebastian Sebulonsen a fifth on 88. 📉 Berlin broadcaster rbb described it as 'system failure', noting that Union's resistance fell apart after the second goal. It is a painful result for a side 17th in the league, having conceded 18 in seven games. 🔥 Cologne had been criticised as goal-shy this season, with coach Rene Wagner under pressure. Five goals in one competitive game could be a turning point. 📊 By the numbers • Cologne 5-0 Union (1-0 at half-time) • El Mala 2 goals, 1 assist; Maina 1 goal, 1 assist • Union: 6 points from 7 league games, 17th 🔭 Why it matters The sides meet again just four days later, at Union on Sunday 1 November at 15:30. Whether Cologne keep their momentum or Union take revenge matters for the fight at the bottom. The Pokal last-16 draw is on 1 November.