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“You’ll never sing that, champions of Europe,” rang out around the City Ground as Nottingham Forest fans reveled in a further result against Malmö. A great deal has happened since Francis's winning header clinched the continental trophy in 1979, but the club still treasure those memories. Similarly, significant changes have taken place in the five weeks since the manager assumed control, with Forest appearing refreshed and securing a convincing victory courtesy of goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ryan Yates, and Nikola Milenkovic, boosting their hopes of progressing in the Europa League.

Gaining Steam with Another Straight Victory

For Forest, this result – against a Swedish side that had not played for almost three weeks after ending in sixth place in their domestic league – represented a third consecutive win across all competitions and added to the positive energy gained from the previous week's success at Liverpool. While this fixture was a reminder of Forest’s European Cup success in spirit, the encounter itself was devoid of any significant tension or jitters.

It proved to be an event filled with nostalgia, an eagerly awaited meeting and the third competitive meeting between the sides since the showpiece event 46 years ago.

Forest leaned into the history, paying tribute to the heroes of that era by providing them, along with their Malmö opponents, the VIP welcome. 13 members of the Malmö's team from that time were also in attendance. The two clubs enjoyed a meal together before the match. Frank Clark, Colin Barrett and company received a tumultuous welcome when they assembled on the pitch a quarter of an hour before kick-off, and a typically superb tifo was unveiled in the Trent End.

Recalling the Past

“30th May 1979, John Robertson crossed it in from the left,” read one part of a large tifo, in block capitals. While no one needed reminding of what happened next, the rest was unfurled as the players emerged from the tunnel. “And there’s Francis,” it stated. Another stunning tifo depicted Clough watching events beside his assistant Taylor on a dugout at the Olympiastadion.

Dominance from the Start

So, Forest had drunk in those wonderful recollections, but what about the showing on the night? It was pretty good, as well. They were in complete control from the moment the forward fired an effort wide inside the opening moments and built a 2-0 lead by the break. Nicolás Domínguez sent an early header off target and then Zach Abbott, on his maiden European start, had a go.

It felt fitting that Yates, who came to the club as an eight-year-old, made the first dent in the visitors' defense led by their own academy product captain, Pontus Jansson, formerly of Leeds and Brentford. The home centre-back Nikola Milenkovic saw a delivery deflect off a opponent and into the pathway of Yates, who swept home right-footed from just inside the box to score his first goal since March.

Another Goal Confirms Dominance

Yates was implicated in Forest’s next goal on the brink of the interval, too, his unmarked header saved by Malmö’s goalkeeper Ellborg but the alert forward on hand to tap in the rebound from close range. McAtee, the midfielder given a rare start and just his second outing since the autumn, was the catalyst, lofting a perfect ball towards Yates at the back post.

Just moments before, Hudson-Odoi’s driven shot was deflected aside off Malmö defender Colin Rösler, the son of ex- Manchester City striker Uwe Rösler, and an unmarked Milenkovic also previously had a powerful header smartly repelled by Ellborg, who was back in place of the ex- Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Malmö’s Difficulties

This was the Swedish side's first match since the domestic league concluded 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 defensive colleague Murillo headed back a set-piece. The captain had a volley stopped, but the Serbia centre-back Milenkovic feasted on the rebound.

Forest then pushed for more, with Hudson-Odoi chipping a right-foot shot on to the bar before Ibrahim Sangaré sent an optimistic effort wide from distance. It was one of those nights. The manager, mindful of Sunday’s domestic fixture here against Brighton, implemented multiple alterations from the team that surprised Liverpool at Anfield recently, when they additionally netted three times, though he called on substitutes and Igor Jesus midway through the second half.

Hiccup-Free Night for Forest

It turned out to be a hiccup-free night for Forest. The coach could withdraw Murillo with the game already sewn up and subsequently brought on teenage defender Sinclair for his senior bow. He talked about the club legends providing “valuable insights” at regular meetings and, nearly fifty years on, the present squad showed they are capable of a few nuggets of thrills, as well.