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Two goals by the Dutch striker guided Aston Villa closer to direct qualification into the knockout stage of the European competition against a backdrop of fan disturbances from Young Boys supporters.

The Netherlands forward showcased Villa’s greater squad depth, however this 10th win in 12 games was tainted by away supporters destroying stadium seating, hurling objects at stewards and home team athletes, and fighting with officers.

Beginning of the current season, no club has won more continental games at their own stadium (13 from 15) than the Villa squad. Emery looks a good bet to claim the trophy for a fifth time.

Match Summary and Disturbance Details

The Swiss supporters had contributed to the initially positive atmosphere prior to Malen’s first goal. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting lent the early kick-off a sense of a continental occasion, although what followed both early scores was unacceptable by any standards.

In scenes similar to other disturbances involving their supporters in the recent past, the Young Boys ultras responded to the first goal in the first half by throwing containers at the celebrating Villa players, with the scorer suffering a cut to the head.

Young Boys had been penalized a substantial sum by European football's governing body and ordered to cover damages for destroying seats and toilet blocks in their Champions League match just over two years ago. They were also further penalized the prior campaign for the deployment of flares in their volatile Champions League fixture.

Escalation of Trouble

However, the situation escalated following Malen doubled the lead three minutes prior to the break. As the Dutch forward grinned doing a knee-slide in the general direction of the travelling fans, the fans reacted by tearing up seats to hurl alongside further projectiles and liquid at the increased presence of security personnel.

Clashes erupted with police even as the visiting captain, the Young Boys captain, went over to plead for peace from his team’s supporters. No fewer than two trouble-makers were escorted away by officers. There was a lengthy delay until play could recommence and the period concluded.

Young Boys fans clash with police and stewards during a controversial opening period.

On-Field Display

Nonetheless, it was been a highly positive period in sporting terms for Villa as they chased a seventh successive home win. The forward, who had a prompt influence when substituted during the break last weekend, was selected to lead the attack, among multiple rotations to the team sheet.

How he made the most of his opportunity, sharp and speedy for the duration in play. The opposition keeper had been forced to save his superb 25-yard shot in the early stages, and both other players came close before Malen headed in a cross from midfield. Villa were so dominant that eight players were involved in the buildup.

The move for the second goal was somewhat more direct but no less aesthetically pleasing. Morgan Rogers delivered an excellent assist for the striker to collect effortlessly through the channel before he cut back inside a defender and smashed in his sixth goal of the campaign.

Post-Incident and Finish

Maybe the scorer ought to have avoided celebrating in the visiting supporters’ direction, but the supporter misconduct was utterly unjustifiable as it was extreme.

A subdued mood over the next half hour as the away supporters, almost to a man wearing dark attire, ceased their chants. Jadon Sancho had a shot saved, and Rogers was correctly given offside before he set Malen up for a tap-in.

But as Villa made substitutions on the sixty-minute point, allowing four of their main players extra time ahead of the derby with Wolves, the visiting fans sprang back into voice. “We forgot that you were here,” was the home crowd's retort.

As the visitors eventually put the ball in the goal, a forward slotting home a delivery, there was a protracted video review before the score was ruled out for a positional infringement in the preceding action. The assistant referee on the near touchline had shuffled up his line up the field and away from the away fans when the verdict was announced.

In stoppage time, though, a substitute did crack home a late reply, after a cross-field ball, and this time video review upheld Young Boys their moment of celebration.

Following the context to the previous European fixture at this venue, Villa will head to Basel in December anticipating a calm trip and the victory that should safeguard their progress to the last 16 of the competition.