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“You’ll never sing that, champions of Europe,” was chanted around the City Ground as Nottingham Forest fans celebrated a further result against their Swedish opponents. A great deal has transpired since Trevor Francis’s winning header clinched the continental trophy in 1979, but Forest still cherish those glorious moments. Similarly, significant shifts have taken place in the weeks since Sean Dyche assumed control, with Forest appearing refreshed and securing a convincing victory courtesy of goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ryan Yates, and Milenkovic, enhancing their hopes of advancing in the European competition.

Building Momentum with Third Straight Win

For Nottingham Forest, this performance – against a Malmö side that had been inactive for nearly a month after ending sixth in their domestic league – represented a third consecutive triumph across every tournament and further built on the positive energy generated from the previous week's success at Anfield. While this match was a reminder of Forest’s European Cup triumph in spirit, the game itself was devoid of any real jeopardy or jitters.

It proved to be an occasion filled with nostalgia, an eagerly awaited reunion and the third clash between the sides since the European Cup final 46 years ago.

The home side fully embraced the heritage, paying tribute to the heroes of 1979 by giving them, along with their visiting counterparts, the VIP welcome. Thirteen members of the Swedish club’s squad from that time were additionally in attendance. The two clubs enjoyed a meal together before the match. Forest legends and company received a rousing welcome when they gathered on the pitch 15 minutes before the start, and a typically superb tifo was shown in the home stand.

Remembering History

“May 30, 1979, John Robertson delivered the ball from the left flank,” read one part of a giant banner, in block capitals. While no one required a reminder of what ensued, the rest was revealed as the players emerged from the dressing rooms. “And there’s Francis,” it continued. Another stunning display showed Clough watching events beside his assistant Peter Taylor on a bench at the Olympiastadion.

Dominance from the Start

So, Forest had drunk in those beautiful memories, but what about the showing on the evening? It was pretty good, too. They were in full command from the moment Kalimuendo whistled an attempt off target inside the opening moments and established a two-goal advantage by the half-time interval. Domínguez sent an early header off target and then Zach Abbott, on his maiden European start, had a go.

It felt fitting that Ryan Yates, who joined Forest aged eight, made the initial breakthrough in the Malmö defence captained by their own academy product captain, Jansson, formerly of Leeds and Brentford. The home centre-back Milenkovic saw a cross deflect off a defender and into the path of the midfielder, who finished right-footed from the edge of the penalty area to register his first goal since last March.

Second Strike Seals Dominance

The scorer was involved in Forest’s next goal on the verge of half-time, as well, his free header parried by the shot-stopper Ellborg but Kalimuendo poised to tap in the rebound from close range. James McAtee, the midfielder handed a rare start and only his second outing since September, was the spark, chipping a delicious ball towards his teammate at the back post.

A minute earlier, Hudson-Odoi’s low effort was turned wide off the defender Rösler, the son of ex- Man City forward Uwe, and an unmarked Milenkovic also previously had a strong header smartly saved by Ellborg, who was back in place of the ex- Villa goalie Robin Olsen.

Malmö’s Difficulties

This was Malmö’s initial game since the Swedish Allsvenskan concluded on November 9th, and they found it hard to equal the home team's energy. The Reds made it 3-0 when the defender scored after his centre-back partner Murillo headed back a corner. The captain had a volley stopped, but the Serbia centre-back Milenkovic pounced on the rebound.

Forest then went for the jugular, with the winger dinking a right-foot shot on to the bar before Sangaré sent an ambitious shot wide from 30 yards. It was one of those nights. Dyche, mindful of the upcoming league game here against Brighton, implemented seven changes from the team that surprised the Reds at Anfield last weekend, when they also scored three goals, though he introduced Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus midway through the final period.

Hiccup-Free Evening for the Team

It turned out to be a flawless night for Nottingham Forest. The coach could take off Murillo with the game already sewn up and later introduced teenage full-back Sinclair for his first-team debut. He talked about the Forest old guard providing “bits of gold” at regular meetings and, nearly fifty years on, the current crop demonstrated they are able of producing of thrills, as well.