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“Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that,” was chanted around the ground as Forest supporters celebrated a further win against their Swedish opponents. A great deal has happened since Trevor Francis’s decisive header secured the continental trophy back in the year 1979, but Forest continue to cherish those memories. Equally, major changes have occurred in the weeks since Sean Dyche took charge, with the team appearing refreshed and earning a comfortable win courtesy of goals from Kalimuendo, Ryan Yates, and Nikola Milenkovic, enhancing their prospects of progressing in the Europa League.

Gaining Steam with Another Straight Win

For Forest, this result – against a Malmö side that had been inactive for almost three weeks after finishing in sixth place in their domestic league – marked a third consecutive triumph across every tournament and further built on the positive energy gained from last weekend’s stunning victory at Liverpool. While this fixture was a reminder of the club's historic triumph in spirit, the encounter itself was devoid of any significant tension or nerves.

It proved to be an occasion filled with sentiment, an longed-for meeting and the third competitive clash between the teams since the showpiece event 46 years ago.

The home side leaned into the history, honoring the heroes of that era by giving them, along with their visiting opponents, the red-carpet treatment. 13 members of the Swedish club’s team from that time were also in attendance. Both teams enjoyed a meal together prior to the match. Frank Clark, Colin Barrett and their teammates were given a tumultuous reception when they assembled on the field a quarter of an hour before kick-off, and a characteristically impressive display was unveiled in the Trent End.

Remembering the Past

“May 30, 1979, Robertson delivered the ball from the left flank,” read one part of a large tifo, in block capitals. While no one required a reminder of what happened next, the remaining section was revealed as the players emerged from the tunnel. “There is Francis,” it continued. A second stunning display depicted Brian Clough watching events beside his assistant Peter Taylor on a bench at the Olympiastadion.

Dominance from the Outset

So, the hosts had soaked up those beautiful memories, but what about the showing on the evening? It was pretty good, as well. They were in complete control from the moment Kalimuendo fired an effort off target inside the opening moments and built a two-goal advantage by the break. Nicolás Domínguez sent an early header wide and then Zach Abbott, on his maiden European start, had a go.

It felt fitting that Yates, who joined the club aged eight, made the initial breakthrough in the Malmö defense led by their own homegrown skipper, Pontus Jansson, previously of Leeds United and Brentford FC. The home defender Milenkovic saw a cross cannon off a opponent and into the pathway of Yates, who finished with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area to score his first goal since last March.

Second Strike Seals Dominance

Yates was implicated in the team's next goal on the brink of half-time, as well, his free header saved by the shot-stopper Ellborg but Kalimuendo poised to convert the rebound from close range. James McAtee, the playmaker handed a seldom start and just his second outing since September, was the spark, lofting a delicious ball towards Yates at the back post.

A minute earlier, Hudson-Odoi’s low effort was deflected aside off the defender Colin Rösler, son of ex- Manchester City forward Uwe Rösler, and an free Milenkovic had earlier had a powerful header smartly repelled by Ellborg, who was back in place of the former Villa goalie Robin Olsen.

Opponent's Difficulties

This was Malmö’s initial game since the domestic league concluded on November 9th, and they struggled to match Forest’s intensity. The Reds made it 3-0 when the defender applied the finishing touch after his centre-back partner Murillo headed back a set-piece. The captain had a volley stopped, but the Serbian centre-back Milenkovic pounced on the leftovers.

The home side then pushed for more, with the winger dinking a right-foot shot on to the crossbar before Ibrahim Sangaré sent an optimistic effort off target from distance. It was one of those nights. Dyche, aware of the upcoming domestic fixture here against Brighton, implemented multiple alterations from the side that surprised the Reds at Anfield last weekend, when they additionally scored three goals, though he called on Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye and further fresh legs during the final period.

Smooth Evening for Forest

It proved a flawless night for Nottingham Forest. The coach could withdraw Murillo with the match already sewn up and subsequently introduced teenage full-back Jimmy Sinclair for his senior bow. Dyche discussed the club legends providing “bits of gold” at weekly get-togethers and, nearly fifty years on, the present squad demonstrated they are capable of a few nuggets of thrills, too.