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Two goals from the Dutch striker guided Aston Villa toward direct advancement for the last 16 of the European competition in a match overshadowed of crowd violence from visiting supporters.

Dutch striker showcased Villa’s greater squad depth, however this tenth victory in twelve matches was tainted by visiting fans ripping up seats, hurling objects at stewards and Villa players, and clashing with officers.

Since the start of the current season, no team has secured more European matches at home (13 from 15) than Unai Emery’s side. The Villa manager looks a good bet to win this competition for a record fifth occasion.

Game Summary and Disturbance Particulars

The Swiss supporters had contributed to the initially positive atmosphere prior to Malen’s first goal. Their coordinated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting lent the early kick-off a sense of a European night, yet the events after each of the early scores was inexcusable by any standards.

Under circumstances reminiscent of other disturbances involving their supporters in the past two years, the Young Boys ultras reacted to the first goal in the 27th minute by launching plastic cups at the jubilant Villa players, with the goalscorer getting a cut to the head.

The Swiss club had been fined €28,250 by European football's governing body and ordered to cover damages for destroying stadium facilities in their Champions League visit just over two years ago. Additionally, they were further penalized last season for the deployment of flares in their volatile European fixture.

Worsening of Trouble

However, the situation escalated following Malen doubled the lead moments before half-time. As the Dutch forward smiled on celebrating with a slide in the vicinity of the travelling fans, they responded by tearing up chairs to throw alongside further projectiles and liquid at the increased presence of security personnel.

Clashes erupted with law enforcement even as the visiting captain, the Young Boys captain, approached to appeal for calm from his club's fans. No fewer than two trouble-makers were escorted away by officers. Play experienced a five-minute holdup before the match resumed and the period concluded.

Young Boys fans clash with police and stewards during a controversial first half.

On-Field Performance

Nonetheless, it was been a very satisfactory period in sporting terms for the hosts as they pursued a seventh straight victory at their ground. Malen, who made such an immediate impact when substituted during the break in a previous match, was chosen to lead the attack, one of multiple rotations to Emery’s starting lineup.

How he made the most of his opportunity, sharp and speedy for the duration on the pitch. The opposition keeper had had to tip over his superb 25-yard shot in the fourth minute, and two other players came close before the Dutchman nodded home the delivery from midfield. Villa were utterly controlling that multiple contributors were involved in the buildup.

The play for the next score was somewhat more direct but equally aesthetically pleasing. Morgan Rogers delivered an excellent through pass for the striker to take in his stride through the channel after which he cut back inside a defender and smashed in his sixth strike of the season.

Aftermath and Finish

Maybe Malen should not have celebrated in the away fans' area, but the supporter misconduct was utterly unjustifiable as it was severe.

There was a subdued mood over the next half hour as the Young Boys fans, largely dressed in black, refrained from singing. Jadon Sancho had a shot saved, and Rogers was rightly flagged when providing an assist for a simple finish.

But as the hosts rang the changes on the hour mark, allowing key individuals extra time before the derby with Wolves, the visiting fans resumed their noise. A taunting chant was the home crowd's retort.

When Young Boys eventually put the ball in the Villa net, a forward sidefooting in a cross, there was a protracted video review before the goal was disallowed for an offside in the buildup. The linesman on the near touchline had shuffled up his line up the field and away from the Young Boys supporters when the verdict was announced.

In stoppage time, though, Joël Monteiro scored a late reply, following a cross-field ball, and on this occasion VAR could not deny the visitors their moment of celebration.

Following the political backdrop to the previous European fixture at this venue, Villa will head to Basel next month anticipating a peaceful visit and the victory that should safeguard their passage into the last 16 of the tournament.