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“Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that,” was chanted through the ground as Nottingham Forest followers reveled in a further result against Malmö. Much has transpired since Francis's decisive header clinched the European Cup in 1979, but Forest continue to treasure those memories. Similarly, major changes have taken place in the weeks since the manager assumed control, with Forest appearing refreshed and earning a comfortable victory courtesy of goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo, Yates, and Milenkovic, enhancing their hopes of progressing in the Europa League.

Building Steam with Another Consecutive Victory

For Forest, this performance – against a Swedish side that had not played for nearly a month after finishing in sixth place in their domestic league – marked a third straight win across all competitions and added to the momentum gained from last weekend’s success at Anfield. While this match was a reminder of Forest’s historic success in spirit, the encounter itself was devoid of any real jeopardy or jitters.

It proved to be an event filled with sentiment, an longed-for reunion and the third meeting between the sides since the European Cup final 46 years ago.

The home side fully embraced the heritage, honoring the legends of that era by providing them, along with their visiting opponents, the VIP welcome. 13 members of the Malmö's squad from that time were additionally in attendance. The two clubs enjoyed a meal together before the match. Frank Clark, Colin Barrett and company received a rousing welcome when they assembled on the pitch a quarter of an hour before the start, and a characteristically superb display was unveiled in the Trent End.

Remembering History

“30th May 1979, Robertson delivered the ball from the left flank,” read half of a giant banner, in block capitals. While no one needed reminding of what ensued, the remaining section was unfurled as the players emerged from the dressing rooms. “And there’s Francis,” it stated. Another stunning display depicted Clough watching events beside his assistant Taylor on a bench at the Olympiastadion.

Control from the Outset

So, the hosts had drunk in those beautiful memories, but what about the performance on the night? It was strong, too. They were in complete control from the moment the forward fired an effort wide inside the opening moments 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 seemed appropriate that Yates, who joined Forest aged eight, made the first dent in the visitors' defense captained by their own homegrown skipper, Jansson, formerly of Leeds United and Brentford FC. The home defender Milenkovic saw a cross deflect off a opponent and into the path of Yates, who finished right-footed from just inside the box to score his maiden strike since March.

Another Goal Seals Dominance

The scorer was implicated in the team's next goal on the brink of half-time, too, his unmarked header parried by the goalkeeper Ellborg but the alert forward on hand to tap in the rebound from close range. James McAtee, the midfielder given a rare start and only his second outing since the autumn, was the catalyst, lofting a perfect ball towards his teammate at the back post.

Just moments before, Hudson-Odoi’s driven shot was turned wide off the back Rösler, the son of former Manchester City striker Uwe Rösler, and an unmarked Milenkovic also earlier had a strong header smartly saved by the keeper, who returned in place of the former Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Opponent's Struggles

This was the Swedish side's first match since the domestic league ended on 9 November, and they found it hard to equal Forest’s intensity. Forest made it 3-0 when Milenkovic scored after his centre-back partner Murillo kept alive a set-piece. Yates had a shot stopped, but the Serbian defender Milenkovic pounced on the rebound.

The home side then pushed for more, with the winger chipping a right-foot shot on to the bar before Sangaré sent an ambitious shot off target from distance. It was one of those evenings. The manager, mindful of the upcoming domestic fixture here against Brighton, implemented multiple alterations from the side that surprised Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, when they also scored three times, though he called on Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus during the second half.

Smooth Night for the Team

It proved a flawless night for Forest. The coach could take off the defender with the game long since boxed off and subsequently introduced 19-year-old full-back Sinclair for his first-team debut. Dyche discussed the Forest old guard providing “valuable insights” at weekly get-togethers and, almost five decades on, the current crop showed they are capable of producing of excitement, too.