Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Sean Dyche’s Reds beat Malmo 3-0 in Europa League clash at the City Ground
22:00, 27 Nov 2025Updated 22:12, 27 Nov 2025
Nottingham Forest’s Ryan Yates (centre) celebrates scoring against Malmo
Nottingham Forest made it three wins on the trot in all competitions as they eased to a 3-0 success over Malmo in the Europa League.
Having seen off Leeds United and Liverpool in the Premier League either side of the international break, Sean Dyche’s side kept the feelgood factor going Trentside. Ryan Yates, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Nikola Milenkovic clinched a comfortable victory at the City Ground as the Reds made it five unbeaten.
This fixture came with plenty of nods to the 1979 European Cup final. Forest, of course, famously won 1-0 when the teams met on that occasion – and they went into this game hoping for a similar result as they looked to maintain their recent momentum.
They certainly made a positive start on the banks of the Trent. Kalimuendo, Nicolas Dominguez and Zach Abbott all had sights of goal inside the opening 10 minutes.
At the opposite end of the pitch, John Victor was left with little to do on his second European start for the club. Sead Haksabanvic cut inside and let fly in the seventh minute, but his effort was comfortably dealt with.
With little pressure on the back line, the Reds’ defenders took the opportunity to push forward. And it was Nikola Milenkovic who had a hand in the opener.
The centre-back latched on to a throw-in from Ibrahim Sangare and found Yates when his ball was deflected into the midfielder’s path. Afforded plenty of space, the skipper duly swept home from the edge of the area with 28 minutes on the clock to give his team the lead.
After Kalimuendo and Milenkovic had gone close, the second goal finally came in the 44th minute. When Yates’ header from James McAtee’s cross was palmed away, Kalimuendo was on hand to bury the rebound.
Milenkovic then got in on the act in the second half. Yates took a swipe from a corner and when the ball initially bounced off the centre-back, it fell for him to rifle in Forest’s third.
Callum Hudson-Odoi hit the woodwork soon after as Sean Dyche’s side continued to push for more but they had to settle for just the three goals. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
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John Victor: Aside from making a save early on, had his feet up for most of the evening. Malmo offered little going forward so he didn’t have a great deal to do. He will take the clean-sheet, though. Rating: 7/10
Zach Abbott: A big night for the academy graduate, making his first start in Europe. He looked right at home from the off. Confident and composed throughout, and was able to contribute going forward. Rating: 8/10
Nikola Milenkovic: With little by way of defending to do, the Serbian was able to have an impact at the other end of the pitch. Played his part in the opener and then went on to join in the goalscoring fun himself. Rating: 8.5/10
Morato: Wasn’t really tested defensively as this was a pretty straight forward victory for the home side. Did what he needed to do and will no doubt have enjoyed getting some minutes. Rating: 7/10
Murillo: A different role for the Brazilian as he took up the left-back spot. It is another string he can add to an already-impressive bow as he looked just as comfortable there as in his more natural position. Pushed forward plenty. Rating: 8.5/10
Ibrahim Sangare: Dyche has been able to get the best out of the midfielder as he has been in good form of late. Imposed himself on proceedings once again, with the hosts looking comfortable for most of the evening. Rating: 8.5/10
Ryan Yates: Special moment for the club captain, bagging his first goal in Europe – took it well, too. Would have been quite something had he managed a brace but he was denied by a strong save just before the break. Rating: 8.5/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Did his best to add to the Reds’ tally but couldn’t quite get his goal on this occasion. Wasn’t too far away when he struck the woodwork in the second half, though. Unlucky with that one. Rating: 7.5/10
Nicolas Dominguez: Worked non-stop and got through a lot of running. A shame his endeavour was not rewarded with a goal as he went close with a header early on and then saw an effort saved before the half-hour mark. Rating: 7.5/10
James McAtee: With Morgan Gibbs-White ruled out, this was a huge opportunity for the summer signing to catch the eye. Didn’t get off to the best of starts with a wayward corner but had a few positive moments after that. Rating: 7/10
Arnaud Kalimuendo: Up and running. Will do his confidence the world of good to have opened his account in the Garibaldi. Had already gone close a couple of times before finding the back of the net. Rating: 7/10
Subs
Elliot Anderson (for Sangare, 66mins): Showed his usual composure on the ball when he came on. Good for him to have had a bit of a breather by being among the substitutes. Rating: 7/10
Igor Jesus (for Kalimuendo, 66mins): Plenty of effort when he came on. Didn’t really get an opportunity in front of goal, though. Rating: 6/10
Dan Ndoye (for Dominguez, 66mins): Played his part in a convincing win from off the bench. The game did drift a bit late on, though. Rating: 6/10
Neco Williams (for Murillo, 74mins): Will benefit from having had some much-needed rest by initially starting on the bench. No doubt he will be raring to go come Sunday. Rating: 6/10
James Sinclair (for McAtee, 84mins): Great experience for the youngster to come on in a European game. A lovely moment for him, and one he will remember. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Sels, Willows, Boly, Savona, Whitehall, Thompson.
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