🔗 Share this article Kalimuendo Strikes as Nottingham Forest Claim Sentimental Victory Against Malmö “You’ll never sing that, champions of Europe,” rang out around the stadium as Forest followers reveled in a further win against their Swedish opponents. Much has happened since Francis's winning header clinched the continental trophy back in the year 1979, but Forest still treasure those glorious moments. Similarly, significant changes have taken place in the five weeks since the manager assumed control, with the team looking refreshed and earning a convincing win thanks to goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ryan Yates, and Nikola Milenkovic, boosting their prospects of progressing in the European competition. Building Steam with Another Straight Victory For Forest, this result – against a Swedish side that had not played for almost three weeks after finishing in sixth place in their home competition – marked a third straight triumph across all competitions and further built on the momentum gained from last weekend’s stunning victory at Liverpool. While this fixture was a reminder of the club's historic success in spirit, the encounter itself was free of any real jeopardy or nerves. It proved to be an occasion dripping in sentiment, an eagerly awaited meeting and the third competitive meeting between the sides since the showpiece event 46 years ago. The home side fully embraced the history, honoring the heroes of that era by providing them, along with their Malmö counterparts, the VIP welcome. 13 members of the Malmö's team from that time were additionally present. The two clubs enjoyed a meal together prior to the match. Forest legends and company were given a rousing reception when they gathered on the pitch a quarter of an hour before kick-off, and a typically superb tifo was unveiled in the home stand. Remembering History “30th May 1979, John Robertson crossed it in from the left,” read one part of a large tifo, in capital letters. While nobody needed reminding of what happened next, the remaining section was revealed as the squads came out from the tunnel. “There is Francis,” it stated. Another stunning tifo depicted Brian Clough watching proceedings beside his right-hand man Taylor on a bench at the Olympiastadion. Control from the Start So, Forest had soaked up those wonderful memories, but what about the performance on the night? 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 two-goal advantage 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 Ryan Yates, who joined Forest aged eight, made the initial breakthrough in the visitors' defence captained by their own academy product skipper, Jansson, formerly of Leeds United and Brentford FC. The home defender Nikola Milenkovic saw a cross cannon off a defender and into the pathway of the midfielder, who finished with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area to register his first goal since March. Another Goal Confirms Control The scorer was involved in the team's next goal on the verge of the interval, as well, his unmarked header saved by the goalkeeper Ellborg but the alert forward on hand to convert the rebound from close range. McAtee, the midfielder given a rare start and only his second outing since the autumn, was the spark, chipping a perfect ball towards Yates at the far post. A minute earlier, Hudson-Odoi’s low effort was turned wide off Malmö back Colin Rösler, son of ex- Man City forward Uwe, and an free Milenkovic had earlier had a powerful header smartly repelled by the keeper, who was back in place of the ex- Aston Villa goalkeeper Olsen. Opponent's Struggles This was Malmö’s initial game since the Swedish Allsvenskan concluded on 9 November, and they struggled to match Forest’s energy. Forest extended the lead to three when Milenkovic scored after his centre-back partner Murillo headed back a corner. Yates had a volley blocked, but the Serbian centre-back Milenkovic feasted on the leftovers. The home side then went for the jugular, with Hudson-Odoi dinking a effort on to the crossbar before Ibrahim Sangaré sent an ambitious shot wide from 30 yards. It was one of those nights. The manager, mindful of the upcoming domestic fixture here against Brighton, made multiple alterations from the side that stunned Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, when they also scored three times, though he called on Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus during the final period. Smooth Evening for the Team It proved a hiccup-free evening for Nottingham Forest. The coach could withdraw Murillo with the match long since boxed off and later introduced 19-year-old defender Sinclair for his first-team debut. Dyche talked about the Forest old guard supplying “bits of gold” at weekly get-togethers and, nearly fifty years on, the present squad demonstrated they are able of a few nuggets of excitement, as well.