Aston Villa survived a late scare to secure a 2-1 win over Young Boys in a Europa League match overshadowed by crowd trouble and a brief suspension of play.
Donyell Malen scored both goals as Villa extended their strong run in Europe and climbed further up the league phase standings.
The match was halted for five minutes in the first half when objects were thrown from the away section, and clashes broke out between Young Boys ‘supporters’ and the police.
The disturbance began moments after Malen doubled Villa’s lead and celebrated near the corner flag, prompting plastic cups and ripped-out seats to be hurled towards the pitch.
Malen was struck on the head by a cup during his first celebration and received treatment for a cut before the game resumed.
Young Boys defender Loris Benito attempted to calm the away end, but the unrest escalated as more objects were launched at police.
The brief suspension broke Villa’s rhythm, although they returned from the stoppage with enough control to create further chances before half-time.
Malen had put Villa ahead with a powerful header from Youri Tielemans’s cross after a bright spell that pinned Young Boys back.
The Dutchman struck again just before the break when Morgan Rogers threaded a precise pass through the centre for him to finish confidently.
Malen briefly believed he had completed his hat-trick in the second half, only for his close-range finish to be ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Rogers and Tielemans both passed up opportunities as Villa appeared content to protect their advantage.
Young Boys had an effort ruled out by VAR, but were eventually rewarded when Joel Monteiro chested a pass down before volleying past Emi Martinez.
The goal forced Villa into a nervy finish, but they held firm to close out their seventh consecutive home victory in all competitions.
The result lifted Unai Emery’s side to second in the league phase at the time the game ended, strengthening their position in the table after overcoming their poor start to the season.
Villa’s form and Malen’s growing influence provided the key positives on a night defined as much by events in the stands as by the football itself.
