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Two goals by the Dutch striker propelled Aston Villa closer to direct qualification for the last 16 of the European competition in a match overshadowed of crowd violence by visiting supporters.

Dutch striker is exemplifying Villa’s greater squad depth, but this 10th win in twelve matches was marred by visiting fans destroying stadium seating, hurling missiles at stewards and home team athletes, and clashing with officers.

Since the start of the current season, no team has won more European games at home (thirteen out of fifteen) than the Villa squad. Emery looks a good bet to win this competition for a record fifth occasion.

Match Summary and Incident Details

The Swiss supporters had helped dictate the early vibrant mood prior to the opening strike. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting lent the early kick-off a sense of a European night, although what followed each of the early scores was unacceptable by any standards.

Under circumstances similar to past incidents with their fans in the past two years, the Young Boys ultras reacted to Malen’s headed goal in the 27th minute by launching plastic cups at the celebrating Villa players, with the scorer suffering a facial injury.

Young Boys had been fined €28,250 by European football's governing body and ordered to cover damages for damaging seats and toilet blocks in their Champions League visit just over two years ago. They were also further penalized last season for the use of pyrotechnics in their heated Champions League visit.

Worsening of Unrest

However, the situation got worse after the second goal moments prior to the break. While the scorer smiled on doing a knee-slide in the vicinity of the travelling fans, the fans reacted by tearing up chairs to hurl alongside further projectiles and liquid at the growing numbers of security personnel.

Fighting broke out with police 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. There was a lengthy delay until the match resumed and the period concluded.

Away supporters confront authorities during a controversial opening period.

On-Field Performance

Nonetheless, it was been a very satisfactory half in sporting terms for the hosts as they chased a seventh successive victory at their ground. Malen, who had a prompt influence when coming on as a half-time substitute in a previous match, was selected to lead the attack, one of multiple rotations to the team sheet.

How he made the most of his chance, incisive and pacy for all of his hour on the pitch. Marvin Keller had had to tip over his brilliant 25-yard shot in the fourth minute, and both teammates came close before the Dutchman nodded home the delivery from a teammate. The home side were so dominant that eight players were part of the move.

The play for the second goal was somewhat more direct but equally pleasing to watch. A teammate delivered an excellent assist for the striker to collect effortlessly down the inside-left channel after which he cut back inside his marker and drilled home his sixth goal of the campaign.

Post-Incident and Conclusion

Maybe the scorer ought to have avoided celebrating in the away fans' area, but the supporter misconduct was as unforgivable as it was severe.

There was a subdued mood in the subsequent period as the away supporters, largely wearing dark attire, refrained from singing. A visiting attacker had a attempt stopped, and a Villa player was rightly flagged when he set Malen up for a simple finish.

When Villa rang the changes on the hour mark, offering 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 goal, Chris Bedia slotting home a delivery, there was a protracted video review before the score was ruled out for an offside in the buildup. 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.

During added time, however, Joël Monteiro scored a late reply, following a cross-field ball, and on this occasion video review upheld the visitors their moment of celebration.

Following the political backdrop to the last Europa League game here, Villa will head to Basel next month anticipating a calm trip and the three points that should safeguard their progress to the last 16 of the tournament.