Nottingham Forest delivered a commanding performance at the City Ground, securing a 3-0 victory over Swedish side Malmo in the Europa League on Thursday 27 November 2025. The match was a poignant tribute to the club's legendary 1979 European Cup-winning team.
A Night of Nostalgia and Celebration
Ahead of kick-off, the club honoured the heroes of its historic 1979 triumph. Most of the living players from that famous night in Munich, where Trevor Francis's goal secured a 1-0 win against the same opponents 46 years ago, were paraded on the pitch. A special two-minute film was also projected onto the Brian Clough Stand, immersing the City Ground in a wave of nostalgia before the modern-day action commenced.
Dyche's Men Dominate from the Start
Under the guidance of manager Sean Dyche, Forest entered the match on a positive run of form and immediately took control. The home side created early chances, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nicolas Dominguez both going close. The pressure told in the 28th minute when the breakthrough arrived. A deflected cross from Nikola Milenkovic fell perfectly to Ryan Yates, and the homegrown captain coolly slotted the ball home from 12 yards.
Forest continued to press and were rewarded on the stroke of half-time. After goalkeeper Melker Ellborg made a spectacular save to deny Yates, Arnaud Kalimuendo was on hand to tap in the rebound, scoring his first goal for the club. The result was put beyond doubt just before the hour mark when Nikola Milenkovic converted from close range after another effort from Yates fell into his path, with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR check for offside.
Solidifying Their European Ambitions
This 3-0 win extends Nottingham Forest's unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions, with three consecutive victories. The result keeps them firmly in contention for a top-eight finish in the congested Europa League table after five games. The upward trend under Sean Dyche continues, seemingly putting a shaky start to the season firmly behind them. The team now looks ahead to their next Premier League challenge against Brighton, having taken their foot off the pedal in the latter stages with the three points securely in the bag.
