El Mala shackled: fans hail HSV defender! | OneFootball

HSV’s 2–1 win over 1. FC Köln produced plenty of positive stories. One of them involves a last-minute new signing.

Zakaria El Ouahdi, who joined from KRC Genk on deadline day for eight million euros, delivered by far his best performance yet in an HSV shirt. After a rather difficult start, including two 0–5 defeats, the Moroccan was tasked against Köln with the demanding job of keeping breakout star Said El Mala quiet. He passed that baptism of fire with flying colors.

Perhaps the most impressive statistic: El Ouahdi won a remarkable nine of his eleven duels overall. He was dribbled past only once in 90 minutes. His direct opponent El Mala, meanwhile, had a day to forget. The left winger, who was called up to the DFB squad by Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp, lost twelve direct duels and, aside from a few dangerous moments, was hardly able to leave his mark on the game.

Photo: IMAGO

El Ouahdi pays tribute to HSV fans

HSV fans responded to the strong display on social media with plenty of positive reactions. “El Ouahdi keeps getting better,” wrote one supporter on X, earning a proud 200 likes. Another post did similarly well. “ElOuahdi when he empties his pockets tonight,” one user wrote, adding a series of images showing a phone, keys, a wallet, and El Mala’s face. The phrase “Moroccan warrior” was also used.

The 24-year-old himself was far more modest in his assessment of the day’s work. “We did well today and deserved the three points,” he said, putting the team first. He also had a few kind words for the fans: “We’ve lost three in a row and they still give everything. That’s why they deserve everything.”

It was “a very good feeling” to celebrate his first win at the Volksparkstadion together with the supporters, El Ouahdi said. After the upcoming international break, more celebrations of this kind are meant to follow.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.