Two goals from the Dutch striker propelled the home side closer to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the European competition against a backdrop of crowd violence by Young Boys supporters.
The Netherlands forward showcased Villa’s improved strength in depth, but this tenth victory in twelve matches was tainted by away supporters destroying stadium seating, throwing objects at security and Villa players, and clashing with police.
Since the start of the 2023-24 season, no team has secured more continental games at their own stadium (thirteen out of fifteen) than Unai Emery’s side. Emery looks a good bet to win this competition for a fifth time.
The Swiss fans had contributed to the initially positive mood prior to Malen’s first goal. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting had helped give the early kick-off a sense of a European night, yet the events after each of the early scores 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 launching plastic cups at the jubilant Villa players, with the scorer suffering a cut to the head.
The Swiss club had been penalized €28,250 by European football's governing body and ordered to pay City compensation for destroying stadium facilities in their European top-tier match just over two years ago. They were also further penalized last season for the deployment of flares in their volatile European fixture.
However, the situation got worse after the second goal three minutes before half-time. While the scorer smiled on celebrating with a slide in the vicinity of the away supporters, they responded by tearing up seats to hurl in addition to further projectiles and liquid at the growing numbers of police and stewards.
Clashes erupted with police while Loris Benito, team leader, went over to plead for peace from his team’s supporters. No fewer than two disruptors were removed by police. There was a lengthy delay until play could recommence and the period concluded.
Away supporters confront authorities during a eventful first half.
It had at least been a highly positive period in sporting terms for Villa as they pursued a seventh straight home win. Malen, who made such an immediate impact when coming on as a half-time substitute last weekend, was selected to lead the attack, among multiple rotations to Emery’s starting lineup.
How he made the most of his chance, sharp and speedy for the duration in play. Marvin Keller had been forced to save his superb 25-yard shot in the fourth minute, and both other players came close before the Dutchman nodded home the delivery from midfield. Villa were utterly controlling that eight players were part of the move.
The move for the second goal was somewhat more direct but no less aesthetically pleasing. A teammate delivered an excellent 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 strike of the season.
Maybe the scorer ought to have avoided celebrating in the away fans' area, but the supporter misconduct was utterly unjustifiable as it was severe.
A subdued mood in the subsequent period as the away supporters, largely dressed in black, ceased their chants. Jadon Sancho had a shot saved, and Rogers was rightly flagged before he set Malen up for a simple finish.
But as Villa rang the changes on the hour mark, offering four of their main players extra time ahead of the local clash, the away contingent sprang back into voice. “We forgot that you were here,” came the home supporters’ riposte.
As the visitors did first get the ball in the Villa net, a forward slotting home a cross, there was a protracted video review until the score was ruled out for an offside in the buildup. The linesman on the near touchline had moved position towards halfway and distanced from the Young Boys supporters when the decision was given.
During added time, however, a substitute scored a consolation goal, following a cross-field ball, and this time video review upheld the visitors their brief jubilation.
Following the context to the last Europa League game here, Villa will travel to Switzerland next month hoping for a peaceful visit and the victory that ought to secure their passage into the last 16 of the tournament.
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