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Two goals from Donyell Malen propelled Aston Villa toward automatic advancement for the last 16 of the Europa League against a backdrop of crowd violence from visiting supporters.

The Netherlands forward showcased the team's improved squad depth, however this 10th win in twelve matches was marred by away supporters destroying stadium seating, throwing objects at security and home team athletes, and clashing with police.

Beginning of the current season, no club has won more European matches at home (13 from 15) than the Villa squad. Emery looks a good bet to win this competition for a fifth time.

Game Summary and Disturbance Particulars

The Swiss supporters had contributed to the initially positive mood prior to Malen’s first goal. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting lent the afternoon start a sense of a European night, yet what followed each of the first-half goals was inexcusable by any standards.

In scenes similar to other disturbances involving their supporters in the past two years, the visiting hardcore fans responded to Malen’s headed goal in the first half by launching containers at the jubilant home team, with the goalscorer suffering a facial injury.

The Swiss club had been penalized €28,250 by Uefa and instructed to cover damages for damaging stadium facilities in their Champions League match just over two years ago. Additionally, they were fined about €18,000 the prior campaign for the use of pyrotechnics in their heated European fixture.

Worsening of Unrest

However, the situation escalated after the second goal moments prior to the break. While the scorer smiled on doing a knee-slide in the general direction of the travelling fans, they responded by tearing up seats to throw in addition to more plastic cups and liquid at the increased presence of security personnel.

Clashes erupted with law enforcement even as Loris Benito, the Young Boys captain, went over to appeal for calm from his club's fans. At least two disruptors were removed by police. There was a lengthy delay until play could recommence and the half be completed.

Young Boys fans clash with authorities during a controversial opening period.

Match Display

It had at least been a very satisfactory half on the field for Villa as they pursued a seventh successive victory at their ground. The forward, who had a prompt influence when substituted during the break last weekend, was chosen to lead the attack, among multiple rotations to Emery’s starting lineup.

He capitalized fully of his chance, sharp and speedy for all of his hour on the pitch. Marvin Keller had been forced to save his superb long-range effort in the early stages, and both teammates nearly scored before the Dutchman nodded home a cross from midfield. The home side were so dominant that multiple contributors were part of the move.

The move for the second goal was slightly simpler but no less aesthetically pleasing. Morgan Rogers played a superb assist for the striker to take in his stride down the inside-left channel before he cut back inside his marker and smashed in his sixth strike of the campaign.

Aftermath and Finish

Perhaps Malen ought to have avoided celebrating in the visiting supporters’ direction, but the supporter misconduct was as unforgivable as it was severe.

A quieter atmosphere in the subsequent period as the away supporters, almost to a man wearing dark attire, ceased their chants. Jadon Sancho had a shot saved, and a Villa player was correctly given offside before he set Malen up for a simple finish.

When Villa made substitutions on the sixty-minute point, allowing four of their main players additional rest ahead of the derby with Wolves, the away contingent sprang back into voice. “We forgot that you were here,” came the home supporters’ riposte.

When Young Boys eventually put the ball in the Villa net, Chris Bedia slotting home a cross, there was a protracted video review until the score was ruled out for a positional infringement in the preceding action. The assistant referee on that side had moved position up the field and away from the away fans when the verdict was announced.

In stoppage time, however, a substitute did crack home a consolation goal, following a diagonal pass, and this time video review upheld Young Boys their brief jubilation.

After all the context to the last Europa League game here, Villa will travel to Switzerland next month anticipating a calm trip and the victory that should safeguard their passage into the last 16 of the tournament.