🔗 Share this article

“Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that,” echoed through the stadium as Forest followers reveled in another success against their Swedish opponents. Much has happened since Trevor Francis’s winning header clinched the European Cup back in the year 1979, but Forest continue to cherish those memories. Equally, significant changes have taken place in the five weeks since the manager assumed control, with the team appearing reinvigorated and securing a comfortable victory courtesy of goals from Kalimuendo, Yates, and Milenkovic, enhancing their hopes of progressing in the European competition.

Gaining Momentum with Third Straight Win

For Nottingham Forest, this result – against a Swedish side that had not played for nearly a month after finishing sixth in their domestic league – represented a third straight triumph across all competitions and added to the momentum gained from the previous week's success at Anfield. While this fixture was a reminder of Forest’s historic triumph in spirit, the encounter itself was free of any significant tension or jitters.

This was an occasion dripping in nostalgia, an longed-for reunion and the third clash between the teams since the showpiece event 46 years ago.

The home side fully embraced the heritage, honoring the legends of 1979 by giving them, along with their Malmö opponents, the VIP welcome. Thirteen members of the Malmö's team from that time were also present. Both teams enjoyed a meal together prior to the kick-off. Frank Clark, Colin Barrett and company were given a rousing reception when they assembled on the field 15 minutes before the start, and a typically impressive display was unveiled in the Trent End.

Remembering History

“May 30, 1979, John Robertson crossed it in from the left flank,” read one part of a large tifo, in capital letters. While no one required a reminder of what ensued, the rest was revealed as the squads emerged from the tunnel. “There is Francis,” it continued. A second brilliant tifo depicted Brian Clough watching proceedings beside his right-hand man Taylor on a dugout at the Olympiastadion.

Control from the Outset

So, Forest had soaked up those beautiful memories, but what about the showing on the evening? It was impressive, as well. They were in full command from the moment the forward whistled an effort off target inside the opening moments and built a 2-0 lead by the half-time interval. Nicolás Domínguez sent an early header off target and then Zach Abbott, on his maiden European start, had a go.

It seemed appropriate that Ryan Yates, who came to the club as an eight-year-old, made the initial breakthrough in the Malmö defence captained by their own homegrown skipper, Pontus Jansson, previously of Leeds and Brentford. The home defender Milenkovic saw a delivery cannon off a defender and into the path of Yates, who swept home right-footed from the edge of the penalty area to register his maiden strike since March.

Another Goal Seals Control

Yates was involved in Forest’s next goal on the verge of the interval, as well, his free header parried by Malmö’s shot-stopper Melker Ellborg but Kalimuendo poised to tap in the loose ball from close range. McAtee, the midfielder handed a rare start and only his second outing since September, was the spark, lofting a perfect ball towards his teammate at the back post.

A minute earlier, Hudson-Odoi’s low effort was turned aside off Malmö defender Rösler, the son of ex- Man City striker Uwe Rösler, and an free Milenkovic also earlier had a strong header smartly repelled by the keeper, who returned in place of the former Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Opponent's Difficulties

This was the Swedish side's initial game since the domestic league ended on 9 November, and they struggled to match the home team's energy. The Reds extended the lead to three when the defender applied the finishing touch after his centre-back partner Murillo headed back a corner. Yates had a volley blocked, but the Serbian defender Milenkovic feasted on the rebound.

Forest then pushed for more, with Hudson-Odoi dinking a effort on to the crossbar before Sangaré sent an optimistic shot off target from 30 yards. It was that kind of evenings. Dyche, aware of the upcoming league game here against Brighton, made seven changes from the side that stunned the Reds at Anfield recently, when they additionally netted three times, though he introduced Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus midway through the second half.

Smooth Evening for the Team

It proved a hiccup-free night for Nottingham Forest. The coach could withdraw the defender with the game long since boxed off and later brought on teenage defender Jimmy Sinclair for his senior bow. Dyche discussed the Forest old guard supplying “bits of gold” at weekly get-togethers and, almost five decades on, the present squad demonstrated they are able of producing of thrills, too.