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“You’ll never sing that, champions of Europe,” echoed around the City Ground as Forest fans reveled in another win against Malmö. A great deal has happened since Francis's winning header secured the European Cup in 1979, but Forest continue to cherish those glorious moments. Similarly, major changes have occurred in the five weeks since Sean Dyche assumed control, with Forest looking refreshed and earning a comfortable victory thanks to goals from Kalimuendo, Yates, and Milenkovic, boosting their prospects of advancing in the European competition.

Building Momentum with Another Straight Win

For Nottingham Forest, this performance – against a Malmö side that had been inactive for nearly a month after finishing in sixth place in their domestic league – represented a third straight triumph across every tournament and added to the positive energy generated from last weekend’s success at Anfield. While this match was a reminder of Forest’s European Cup success in spirit, the encounter itself was devoid of any significant tension or nerves.

It proved to be an occasion filled with sentiment, an eagerly awaited reunion and the third competitive meeting between the sides since the European Cup final over four decades past.

The home side fully embraced the heritage, paying tribute to the legends of that era by giving them, along with their visiting counterparts, the red-carpet treatment. 13 members of the Malmö's squad from that time were also present. Both teams shared a meal together before the match. Frank Clark, Colin Barrett and their teammates received a rousing reception when they assembled on the field 15 minutes before kick-off, and a characteristically impressive display was shown in the Trent End.

Remembering the Past

“30th May 1979, Robertson delivered the ball from the left flank,” displayed half of a large banner, in capital letters. While nobody required a reminder of what ensued, the rest was unfurled as the players emerged from the tunnel. “There is Francis,” it stated. A second stunning tifo depicted Brian Clough watching events beside his right-hand man Taylor on a dugout at the Munich stadium.

Dominance from the Start

So, Forest had drunk in those wonderful recollections, but what about the performance on the evening? It was impressive, as well. They were in complete control from the moment the forward whistled an attempt off target inside the opening moments and built a 2-0 lead by the break. Domínguez sent an early header wide and then Abbott, on his first European start, had a go.

It seemed appropriate that Yates, who joined the club aged eight, made the first dent in the Malmö defense led by their own homegrown captain, Jansson, formerly of Leeds United and Brentford. The home centre-back Nikola Milenkovic saw a delivery deflect off a opponent and into the pathway of Yates, who finished with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area to register his first goal since March.

Second Strike Confirms Control

Yates was implicated in the team's next goal on the verge of half-time, as well, his free header saved by Malmö’s shot-stopper Melker Ellborg but Kalimuendo poised to tap in the rebound from point-blank range. James McAtee, the playmaker given a seldom start and only his second appearance since September, was the catalyst, lofting a delicious ball towards Yates at the far post.

Just moments before, Callum Hudson-Odoi driven shot was turned wide off the defender Colin Rösler, son of former Man City striker Uwe Rösler, and an unmarked the defender had earlier had a powerful header smartly saved by Ellborg, who returned in place of the former Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Opponent's Struggles

This was the Swedish side's initial game since the Swedish Allsvenskan concluded on 9 November, and they struggled to match the home team's energy. Forest extended the lead to three when Milenkovic scored after his defensive colleague Murillo kept alive a corner. The captain had a volley stopped, but the Serbian centre-back Milenkovic pounced on the rebound.

Forest then went for the jugular, with Hudson-Odoi dinking a right-foot shot on to the bar before Sangaré sent an ambitious shot off target from distance. It was one of those evenings. Dyche, aware of the upcoming league game here against Brighton & Hove Albion, implemented multiple alterations from the team that stunned Liverpool at Anfield recently, when they also scored three goals, though he called on substitutes and Igor Jesus midway through the second half.

Hiccup-Free Night for Forest

It turned out to be a flawless night for Forest. The coach could take off Murillo with the match already sewn up and subsequently introduced 19-year-old defender Jimmy Sinclair for his senior bow. He discussed the Forest old guard supplying “valuable insights” at regular meetings and, nearly fifty years on, the present squad demonstrated they are capable of a few nuggets of thrills, as well.