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“You’ll never sing that, champions of Europe,” was chanted through the stadium as Nottingham Forest fans celebrated another success against their Swedish opponents. Much has occurred since Francis's winning header secured the European Cup in 1979, but Forest still treasure those memories. Equally, major changes have occurred in the five weeks since the manager took charge, with Forest appearing refreshed and securing a comfortable victory thanks to goals from Kalimuendo, Ryan Yates, and Milenkovic, boosting their hopes of progressing in the European competition.

Building Steam with Third Straight Victory

For Nottingham Forest, this performance – against a Malmö side that had not played for almost three weeks after finishing in sixth place in their domestic league – marked a third straight triumph across all competitions and added to the positive energy generated from last weekend’s stunning victory at Liverpool. While this fixture was a re-run of the club's European Cup triumph in name, the game itself was free of any significant tension or jitters.

It proved to be an event dripping in nostalgia, an longed-for reunion and the third clash between the teams since the European Cup final 46 years ago.

Forest fully embraced the heritage, paying tribute to the legends of that era by providing them, along with their Malmö counterparts, the VIP welcome. Thirteen members of the Malmö's team from that time were also present. The two clubs shared a meal together prior to the kick-off. Forest legends and company were given a tumultuous welcome when they assembled on the field 15 minutes before the start, and a typically superb display was shown in the Trent End.

Recalling the Past

“May 30, 1979, Robertson delivered the ball from the left flank,” read one part of a large tifo, in block capitals. While no one required a reminder of what happened next, the remaining section was unfurled as the players emerged from the dressing rooms. “And there’s Francis,” it stated. A second brilliant display depicted Clough observing proceedings beside his right-hand man Peter Taylor on a bench at the Olympiastadion.

Dominance from the Start

So, the hosts had drunk in those wonderful recollections, but what about the performance on the night? It was impressive, as well. They were in full command from the moment Kalimuendo whistled an attempt wide inside the opening moments and established a 2-0 advantage by the half-time interval. Domínguez sent an early header wide and then Zach Abbott, on his first European start, had a go.

It seemed appropriate that Yates, who came to Forest aged eight, made the first dent in the Malmö defense led by their own academy product captain, Jansson, previously of Leeds United and Brentford FC. The Forest centre-back Milenkovic saw a cross cannon off a defender and into the pathway of Yates, who swept home with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area to register his first goal since March.

Another Goal Seals Dominance

The scorer was involved in Forest’s next goal on the brink of the interval, as well, his free header parried by Malmö’s goalkeeper Melker Ellborg but the alert forward poised to convert the loose ball from point-blank range. McAtee, the playmaker handed a rare start and only his second outing since September, was the spark, chipping a delicious ball towards Yates at the far post.

Just moments before, Hudson-Odoi’s low effort was deflected aside off the back Colin Rösler, son of ex- Manchester City forward Uwe, and an free the defender also earlier had a strong header instinctively repelled by Ellborg, who was back in place of the ex- Aston Villa goalie Olsen.

Opponent's Struggles

This was the Swedish side's initial game since the domestic league concluded on November 9th, and they struggled to equal Forest’s energy. Forest extended the lead to three when the defender applied the finishing touch after his centre-back partner Murillo kept alive a corner. Yates had a volley blocked, but the Serbia defender Milenkovic pounced on the leftovers.

Forest then went for the jugular, with Hudson-Odoi chipping a effort on to the bar before Sangaré sent an optimistic effort wide from distance. It was that kind of evenings. Dyche, mindful of the upcoming domestic fixture here against Brighton, implemented multiple alterations from the team that surprised Liverpool at their ground last weekend, when they also netted three goals, though he called on Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye and further fresh legs during the final period.

Hiccup-Free Night for the Team

It turned out to be a flawless evening for Nottingham Forest. The coach could withdraw the defender with the game long since boxed off and subsequently introduced 19-year-old full-back Jimmy Sinclair for his first-team debut. He talked about the Forest old guard providing “valuable insights” at weekly get-togethers and, almost five decades on, the current crop demonstrated they are capable of producing of thrills, as well.