Kalimuendo Scores as Nottingham Forest Secure Nostalgic Victory Against Malmö

“Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that,” was chanted around the ground as Nottingham Forest fans reveled in a further result against Malmö. A great deal has happened since Francis's decisive header secured the European Cup in 1979, but the club continue to hold dear those memories. Similarly, major changes have taken place in the five weeks since Sean Dyche assumed control, with the team appearing refreshed and earning a convincing win courtesy of goals from Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ryan Yates, and Milenkovic, boosting their hopes of progressing in the European competition.

Gaining Steam with Another Straight Victory

For Forest, this result – against a Malmö side that had been inactive for nearly a month after finishing in sixth place in their domestic league – marked a third consecutive win across every tournament and added to the momentum generated from the previous week's stunning victory at Liverpool. While this match was a reminder of the club's historic triumph in spirit, the encounter itself was free of any real tension or jitters.

This was an event dripping in sentiment, an longed-for reunion and the third competitive meeting between the sides since the showpiece event 46 years ago.

Forest fully embraced the heritage, honoring the heroes of that era by providing them, along with their visiting opponents, the VIP welcome. 13 members of the Swedish club’s team from that time were additionally in attendance. The two clubs shared a meal together prior to the kick-off. Frank Clark, Colin Barrett and company were given a tumultuous welcome when they assembled on the field a quarter of an hour before kick-off, and a typically superb tifo was unveiled in the Trent End.

Remembering the Past

“30th May 1979, John Robertson delivered the ball from the left,” displayed half of a giant tifo, in capital letters. While no one needed reminding of what ensued, the remaining section was unfurled as the squads came out from the dressing rooms. “And there’s Francis,” it stated. A second stunning tifo showed Clough observing proceedings beside his right-hand man Peter Taylor on a bench at the Olympiastadion.

Control from the Outset

So, the hosts had soaked up those beautiful recollections, but what about the performance on the night? It was pretty good, as well. They were in full command from the moment Kalimuendo fired an effort off target inside the opening moments and established a two-goal lead by the half-time interval. Nicolás Domínguez sent an early header wide and then Zach Abbott, on his maiden European start, had a go.

It seemed appropriate that Ryan Yates, who joined the club aged eight, made the initial breakthrough in the visitors' defense led by their own academy product captain, Pontus Jansson, previously of Leeds and Brentford FC. The home defender Nikola Milenkovic saw a cross deflect off a opponent and into the path of Yates, who swept home right-footed from the edge of the box to register his maiden strike since March.

Second Goal Seals Dominance

The scorer was involved in the team's next goal on the brink of the interval, too, his free header saved by the shot-stopper Melker Ellborg but the alert forward poised to tap in the rebound from close range. James McAtee, the midfielder handed a rare start and just his second outing since September, was the catalyst, lofting a delicious ball towards his teammate at the back post.

Just moments before, Callum Hudson-Odoi low effort was turned aside off the back Colin Rösler, son of former Manchester City forward Uwe, and an free the defender also earlier had a strong header smartly repelled by the keeper, who returned in place of the former Villa goalkeeper Olsen.

Malmö’s Difficulties

This was Malmö’s first match since the domestic league concluded on 9 November, and they struggled to equal the home team's energy. The Reds made it 3-0 when Milenkovic scored after his defensive colleague Murillo headed back a corner. Yates 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 ambitious effort wide from 30 yards. It was one of those nights. Dyche, mindful of the upcoming domestic fixture here against Brighton & Hove Albion, made multiple alterations from the team that stunned Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, when they also scored three times, though he introduced substitutes and Igor Jesus during the second half.

Smooth Night for Forest

It proved a hiccup-free evening for Forest. Dyche could withdraw Murillo with the match already sewn up and later introduced teenage full-back Sinclair for his senior bow. He talked about the Forest old guard supplying “valuable insights” at weekly get-togethers and, almost five decades on, the current crop showed they are capable of producing of excitement, as well.