🔗 Share this article

Two goals from Donyell Malen propelled Aston Villa toward direct qualification for the last 16 of the European competition in a match overshadowed of fan disturbances by visiting supporters.

The Netherlands forward is exemplifying the team's improved strength in depth, but this 10th win in 12 games was tainted by away supporters ripping up stadium seating, hurling objects at security and home team athletes, and fighting with police.

Since the start of the 2023-24 season, no team has secured more European matches at home (13 from 15) than the Villa squad. Emery appears likely to win this competition for a fifth time.

Match Overview and Disturbance Details

The Swiss supporters had contributed to the early vibrant atmosphere prior to the opening strike. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting lent the afternoon start a feeling of a continental occasion, although what followed both early scores was inexcusable by all measures.

In scenes similar to other disturbances with their fans in the past two years, the visiting hardcore fans responded to Malen’s headed goal in the first half by launching plastic cups at the jubilant Villa players, with the goalscorer getting a cut to the head.

The Swiss club had been penalized a substantial sum by Uefa and ordered to cover damages for damaging stadium facilities in their European top-tier match just over two years ago. They were also fined about €18,000 the prior campaign for the use of pyrotechnics in their heated Champions League visit.

Worsening of Unrest

However, the situation escalated after Malen doubled the lead three minutes before half-time. As the Dutch forward smiled on celebrating with a slide in the vicinity of the travelling fans, they responded by ripping out chairs to throw in addition to more plastic cups and fluids at the growing numbers of security personnel.

Fighting broke out with law enforcement while the visiting captain, team leader, went over to appeal for calm from his club's fans. At least two disruptors were escorted away by officers. There was a five-minute holdup before play could recommence and the half be completed.

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

On-Field Display

It had at least been a very satisfactory period on the field for Villa as they chased a seventh successive victory at their ground. Malen, who made such an immediate impact when coming on as a half-time substitute last weekend, was selected to lead the attack, one of seven changes to Emery’s starting lineup.

How he made the most of his opportunity, incisive and pacy for the duration in play. The opposition keeper had had to tip over his brilliant 25-yard shot in the fourth minute, and two teammates came close before the Dutchman nodded home a cross from midfield. The home side were utterly controlling that multiple contributors were part of the move.

The play for the next score was slightly simpler but equally pleasing to watch. A teammate played a superb through pass for Malen to take in his stride through the channel before he cut back inside his marker and drilled home his sixth goal of the season.

Aftermath and Conclusion

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

There was a quieter atmosphere over the next half hour as the Young Boys fans, almost to a man dressed in black, refrained from singing. Jadon Sancho had a attempt stopped, and a Villa player was rightly flagged before he set Malen up for a tap-in.

But as Villa made substitutions on the hour mark, offering four of their main players extra time before the local clash, the away contingent resumed their noise. A taunting chant came the home supporters’ riposte.

As the visitors did first get the ball in the Villa net, a forward sidefooting in a delivery, there was a protracted video review until the goal was disallowed for a positional infringement in the buildup. The assistant referee on that side had moved position towards halfway and away from the Young Boys supporters when the verdict was announced.

During added time, though, a substitute scored a consolation goal, after a cross-field ball, and this time VAR could not deny Young Boys their moment of celebration.

After all the political backdrop to the last Europa League game here, the team will travel to Switzerland in December hoping for a calm trip and the victory that should safeguard their progress to the last 16 of the competition.