Nottingham Forest produced a straightforward performance against Malmo, recording a win that strengthens their push for a Europa League play-off spot. Goals from captain Ryan Yates, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Nikola Milenkovic settled the game, echoing the old 1979 European Cup final meeting between the same clubs.
The victory marked Forest’s third straight success in all competitions, something they had not achieved since the turn of the year. Their struggles late in the previous campaign cost them a Champions League place, leaving them in this tournament instead.
Now sitting two points behind the top eight with three fixtures left in the league phase, Forest have revived their hopes of progressing directly to the last 16. Manager Sean Dyche highlighted the attitude behind the recent improvement, emphasizing a focus on consistent, game-by-game discipline.
Dyche noted that maintaining results removes pressure to constantly monitor table standings, insisting that internal standards are beginning to reflect in outcomes. He stressed that tangible returns, such as wins, help reinforce the growing mindset within the team.
Dyche steadies the club after turmoil
The manager has taken firm control following a chaotic stretch that saw Nuno Espírito Santo dismissed after disagreements with senior figures and successor Ange Postecoglou depart little more than a month later.
A resounding 3-0 triumph at struggling Liverpool lifted Forest out of the Premier League relegation places at the weekend. The success against Malmo pushed them to 16th in the Europa League standings and firmly into the playoff picture.
Throughout the evening, Forest dictated play comfortably, even before Yates guided in the opener. Kalimuendo and Milenkovic both came close to extending the advantage as the hosts controlled the tempo.
Kalimuendo eventually doubled the lead shortly before halftime, reacting quickest to convert after Yates’ header was parried. It was the forward’s first goal since his £26m summer arrival from Rennes.
Second-half dominance seals the result
Milenkovic struck early in the second half, increasing the margin with a neat finish from close range. Callum Hudson-Odoi later clipped the crossbar as Forest threatened to overwhelm their visitors.
Dyche, who rotated his lineup heavily, expressed satisfaction with the overall display. He underlined the importance of squad-wide readiness, especially with a tightly packed schedule looming in the coming months.
He added that certain players needed to complete the full 90 minutes to build match sharpness. Ideally, he said, his teams reach peak condition before challenges intensify, though encounters like this help accelerate that process.
The evening reinforced Forest’s growing momentum under their new manager, who has overseen four wins in seven matches, including two European victories.
Legends return as Forest find momentum
Before kickoff, Forest welcomed back several members of their iconic 1979 European Cup-winning side, alongside former Malmo players who were part of the same final. Those celebrations marked 46 years since Forest first lifted the trophy, which they famously defended the following year.
The returning greats witnessed one of the smoothest performances likely to occur at the City Ground this season. The club entered the campaign targeting a Europa League triumph, and after a turbulent period, Dyche has brought stability on both domestic and continental fronts.
With the top eight still within reach, Forest’s chances of bypassing the playoffs remain alive. Upcoming trips to Utrecht and Braga, followed by a home meeting with Ferencvaros in January, will determine whether they can claim an automatic route through.
For the first time this season, Forest appears to be building sustained momentum, offering renewed optimism for the months ahead.