Two goals from Donyell Malen led Aston Villa to the verge of automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Europa League against a backdrop of more crowd violence from Young Boys supporters.
The Netherlands striker is exemplifying Villa’s greater strength in depth but this 10th win in 12 games was marred by visiting fans ripping up seats, throwing missiles at stewards and Villa players and fighting with police.
Since the start of the 2023-24 season, no team has won more European games at home (13 from 15) than Unai Emery’s side. The Villa manager looks a good bet to win this competition for a fifth time.
The Swiss fans had helped dictate the initially positive atmosphere before Malen’s first goal. Their orchestrated clapping, drumming, pogoing and chanting had helped give the early kick-off what sense there was of a continental occasion although what followed each of the first-half goals was unacceptable by any standards.
In scenes reminiscent of other disturbances involving their supporters in the past two years, at Manchester City and Celtic, the Young Boys ultras reacted to Malen’s headed goal in the 27th minute by throwing plastic cups at the celebrating Villa players, the goalscorer getting a cut to the head.
