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Two goals from the Dutch striker propelled the home side closer to automatic advancement into the knockout stage of the European competition against a backdrop of fan disturbances from visiting supporters.

The Netherlands forward is exemplifying Villa’s improved strength in depth, but this tenth victory in twelve matches was tainted by away supporters ripping up seats, throwing objects at security and Villa players, and clashing with police.

Beginning of the current season, no team has won more European games at home (13 from 15) than the Villa squad. The Villa manager looks a good bet to claim the trophy for a fifth time.

Match Summary and Incident Particulars

The Swiss fans had contributed to the early vibrant mood prior to the opening strike. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting had helped give the afternoon start a feeling of a continental occasion, yet the events after both first-half goals was unacceptable by all measures.

Under circumstances reminiscent of past incidents involving their supporters in the past two years, the visiting hardcore fans reacted to Malen’s headed goal in the 27th minute by throwing plastic cups at the celebrating Villa players, with the goalscorer suffering a cut to the head.

The Swiss club had been fined €28,250 by European football's governing body and ordered to pay City compensation for damaging seats and toilet blocks in their Champions League match in a previous season. They were also fined about €18,000 last season for the deployment of flares in their heated European visit.

Escalation of Trouble

But the trouble escalated following Malen doubled the lead moments before half-time. As the Dutch forward grinned doing a knee-slide in the general direction of the travelling fans, they responded by tearing up seats to hurl alongside further projectiles and fluids at the increased presence of security personnel.

Clashes erupted with law enforcement even as the visiting captain, team leader, approached to plead for peace from his team’s supporters. At least two trouble-makers were removed by police. There was a lengthy delay until play could recommence and the half be completed.

Away supporters clash with police and stewards during a eventful first half.

On-Field Performance

Nonetheless, it was been a highly positive half in sporting terms for the hosts as they pursued a seventh successive victory at their ground. The forward, who had a prompt influence when coming on during the break last weekend, was chosen to lead the attack, one of multiple rotations to the team sheet.

He capitalized fully of his opportunity, incisive and pacy for all of his hour in play. Marvin Keller had had to tip over his brilliant 25-yard shot in the fourth minute, and two teammates came close prior to Malen headed in a cross from midfield. The home side were utterly controlling that eight players were part of the move.

The move for the next score was somewhat more direct but equally aesthetically pleasing. A teammate played a superb through pass for Malen to collect effortlessly through the channel before he turned past his marker and drilled home his sixth strike of the season.

Aftermath and Finish

Perhaps Malen should not have celebrated in the away fans' area, but the crowd violence was as unforgivable as it was extreme.

There was a quieter atmosphere over the next half hour as the Young Boys fans, 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 providing an assist for a simple finish.

But as Villa made substitutions on the sixty-minute point, allowing four of their main players additional rest before the local clash, the visiting fans sprang back into voice. A taunting chant came the home supporters’ riposte.

When Young Boys did first get the ball in the goal, a forward slotting home a cross, there was a protracted video review until the goal was disallowed for an offside in the buildup. The linesman on that side had moved position towards halfway and away from the away fans by the time the verdict was announced.

In stoppage time, however, Joël Monteiro did crack home a late reply, following a diagonal pass, and this time video review upheld Young Boys their brief jubilation.

Following the context to the last Europa League game at this venue, the team will head to Basel in December hoping for a calm trip and the victory that should safeguard their progress to the last 16 of the competition.