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A brace by the Dutch striker propelled Aston Villa closer to direct qualification into the knockout stage of the Europa League against a backdrop of fan disturbances from Young Boys supporters.

The Netherlands striker showcased the team's improved strength in depth, however this 10th win in twelve matches was tainted by away supporters destroying stadium seating, throwing objects at stewards and home team athletes, and fighting with police.

Since the start of the current season, no team has secured more European games at their own stadium (thirteen out of fifteen) than Unai Emery’s side. The Villa manager looks a good bet to win this competition for a record fifth occasion.

Match Summary and Disturbance Details

Young Boys fans had helped dictate the initially positive atmosphere prior to the opening strike. Their orchestrated chants, drumbeats, and synchronized movements had helped give the afternoon start a sense of a European night, although the events after each of the first-half goals was unacceptable by all measures.

In scenes reminiscent of past incidents with their fans in the past two years, the Young Boys ultras reacted to Malen’s headed goal in the first half by throwing plastic cups at the celebrating Villa players, with the goalscorer suffering a facial injury.

Young Boys had been penalized €28,250 by European football's governing body and instructed to pay City compensation for damaging stadium facilities in their Champions League match just over two years ago. They were also further penalized the prior campaign for the use of pyrotechnics in their volatile Champions League visit.

Worsening of Trouble

But the trouble escalated following Malen doubled the lead three minutes prior to the break. While the scorer smiled on celebrating with a slide in the vicinity of the away supporters, the fans reacted by ripping out seats to hurl in addition to more plastic cups and fluids at the growing numbers of police and stewards.

Clashes erupted with law enforcement even as Loris Benito, team leader, went over to appeal for calm from his club's fans. No fewer than two disruptors were escorted away by police. Play experienced a lengthy delay 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

Nonetheless, it was been a highly positive period in sporting terms for Villa as they pursued a seventh successive victory at their ground. The forward, who made such an immediate impact when substituted during the break last weekend, was chosen to play at centre-forward, among multiple rotations to Emery’s starting lineup.

He capitalized fully of his opportunity, sharp and speedy for the duration in play. Marvin Keller had had to tip over his superb 25-yard shot in the early stages, and both teammates nearly scored prior to the Dutchman nodded home the delivery from a teammate. Villa were so dominant that eight players were part of the move.

The move for the next score was somewhat more direct but no less pleasing to watch. A teammate played a superb through pass for the striker to take in his stride down the inside-left channel before he turned past his marker and drilled home his sixth goal of the campaign.

Aftermath and Finish

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

A quieter atmosphere over the next half hour as the Young Boys fans, almost to a man dressed in black, ceased their chants. A visiting attacker had a shot saved, and Rogers was correctly given offside before he set Malen up for a simple finish.

But as the hosts rang the changes on the sixty-minute point, allowing key individuals additional rest ahead of the derby with Wolves, the visiting fans sprang back into voice. “We forgot that you were here,” came the home supporters’ riposte.

When Young Boys did first get the ball in the Villa net, Chris Bedia sidefooting in a cross, there was a long VAR delay until the goal was disallowed for a positional infringement in the buildup. The assistant referee on the near touchline had shuffled up his line towards halfway and distanced from the away fans when the decision was given.

During added time, however, Joël Monteiro scored a late reply, after a cross-field ball, and on this occasion video review upheld Young Boys their brief jubilation.

After all the context to the previous European fixture here, Villa will head to Basel in December hoping for a peaceful visit and the three points that ought to secure their passage into the next round of the competition.