Donyell Malen’s brace powers Aston Villa to 2-1 win over Young Boys, while Nottingham Forest cruise past Malmo 3-0 in Europa League action
ASTON VILLA secured a crucial 2-1 Europa League victory over Young Boys on Thursday despite crowd trouble marring the match at Villa Park.
Donyell Malen headed the hosts in front from a Youri Tielemans cross but was struck on the head by an object thrown from the away supporters’ section during his celebration.
The Dutch international suffered a small cut but continued playing and doubled Villa’s lead before halftime after being set up by Morgan Rogers.
Young Boys fans clashed with police following the second goal, prompting captain Loris Benito to plead with them to settle down as the match was briefly interrupted.
Joel Monteiro pulled one back for the visitors in the 90th minute with a powerful finish but Villa held on for their fourth win in five European matches.
Villa now trail only Lyon and Midtjylland on goal difference after recording 10 wins in their last 12 matches across all competitions.
“I think we’ve turned it around quite well and we just have to keep this form and stay humble and work hard,” Malen told TNT Sports.
The forward confirmed he was “fine” after being hit by what he described as a plastic cup.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Malmo at the City Ground in a repeat of the 1979 European Cup final.
Ryan Yates curled Forest in front before French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo turned in from close range for his first club goal.
Nikola Milenkovic sealed the win on the hour mark as Sean Dyche’s team climbed to 16th place with eight points.
“It is unbelievable. These nights at the City Ground in Europe, we have to cherish them,” Yates told TNT Sports.
Lyon claimed top spot with a 6-0 demolition of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Serbia as captain Corentin Tolisso scored a hat-trick.
Midtjylland lost their perfect record after falling 2-1 away to Serie A leaders Roma despite Paulinho’s late consolation goal.
Celtic earned a valuable 3-1 comeback win at Feyenoord despite conceding early to Ayase Ueda’s strike. – AFP
