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“You’ll never sing that, champions of Europe,” was chanted through the stadium as Nottingham Forest fans celebrated a further win against Malmö. A great deal has happened since Trevor Francis’s decisive header secured the European Cup back in 1979, but Forest still treasure those memories. Similarly, major changes have taken place in the weeks since the manager assumed control, with Forest looking refreshed and securing a convincing victory courtesy of goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ryan Yates, and Milenkovic, enhancing their hopes of progressing in the European competition.

Building Momentum with Another Consecutive Win

For Forest, this performance – against a Malmö side that had been inactive for almost three weeks after ending sixth in their home competition – marked a third straight win across every tournament and added to the positive energy gained from the previous week's stunning victory at Anfield. While this match was a reminder of Forest’s historic success in name, the encounter itself was free of any significant jeopardy or jitters.

This was an event dripping in nostalgia, an longed-for reunion and the third meeting between the teams since the European Cup final over four decades past.

The home side fully embraced the heritage, paying tribute to the heroes of that era by providing them, along with their Malmö counterparts, the red-carpet treatment. Thirteen members of the Swedish club’s team from then were additionally present. Both teams shared a meal together before the match. Frank Clark, Colin Barrett and company were given a rousing welcome when they gathered on the field 15 minutes before kick-off, and a characteristically superb display was shown in the Trent End.

Remembering the Past

“30th May 1979, Robertson crossed it in from the left flank,” displayed half of a large tifo, in capital letters. While nobody needed reminding of what ensued, the remaining section was unfurled as the players emerged from the tunnel. “And there’s Francis,” it stated. Another brilliant display showed Brian Clough watching events beside his right-hand man Taylor on a dugout at the Olympiastadion.

Dominance from the Outset

So, the hosts had soaked up those wonderful recollections, but what about the showing on the evening? It was strong, as well. They were in complete control from the moment Kalimuendo whistled an attempt wide inside two minutes and established a 2-0 lead by the break. Nicolás Domínguez sent an early header wide and then Abbott, on his maiden European start, had a go.

It felt fitting that Yates, who joined Forest aged eight, made the first dent in the visitors' defence captained by their own homegrown captain, Jansson, formerly of Leeds and Brentford FC. The home centre-back Nikola Milenkovic saw a cross deflect 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 maiden strike since March.

Another Strike Seals Control

Yates was implicated in Forest’s second goal on the verge of half-time, too, his free header saved by Malmö’s goalkeeper Ellborg but the alert forward on hand to tap in the loose ball from close range. McAtee, the playmaker handed a seldom start and only his second appearance since the autumn, was the spark, chipping a perfect ball towards his teammate at the far post.

A minute earlier, Hudson-Odoi’s low effort was turned aside off Malmö back Colin Rösler, son of ex- Man City striker Uwe Rösler, and an unmarked the defender had previously had a powerful header instinctively saved by Ellborg, who was back in place of the ex- Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Malmö’s Difficulties

This was the Swedish side's initial game since the domestic league ended on November 9th, and they struggled to equal the home team's energy. Forest extended the lead to three when Milenkovic scored after his defensive colleague Murillo kept alive a corner. Yates had a volley stopped, but the Serbian centre-back Milenkovic feasted on the leftovers.

Forest then went for the jugular, with the winger chipping a right-foot shot on to the crossbar before Ibrahim Sangaré sent an optimistic shot off target from distance. It was one of those nights. Dyche, mindful of Sunday’s domestic fixture here against Brighton & Hove Albion, made multiple alterations from the side that surprised the Reds at Anfield recently, when they also netted three goals, though he introduced substitutes and Igor Jesus during the second half.

Hiccup-Free Night for the Team

It proved a flawless night for Nottingham Forest. Dyche could take off Murillo with the game long since boxed off and subsequently introduced teenage defender Sinclair for his senior bow. He discussed the club legends providing “bits of gold” at weekly get-togethers and, almost five decades on, the current crop demonstrated they are able of producing of thrills, too.