Nottingham Forest vs Malmo Match Report
Nottingham Forest earned a strong and important 3-0 win over Malmo in the UEFA Europa League on 27 November 2025. The match was played at The City Ground in front of a loud home crowd, and the result kept Forest in the qualification race. Forest were the better side from start to finish, and they controlled the game with energy, organisation and confidence throughout the ninety minutes.
This meeting also carried emotional meaning. Forest and Malmo were facing each other again many years after the 1979 European Cup final. The home club and supporters honoured those memories before kick off. Once the match started, the focus shifted to the present, and Forest delivered one of their best European performances of the season under manager Sean Dyche.
A Confident Start From Nottingham Forest
Forest started the match with quick passing, strong pressing and high intensity. They controlled possession from the early stages and kept Malmo pinned inside their own half. Malmo struggled to build any moves and could not keep the ball for long periods. The visitors also created almost no danger in transition because Forest won the duels in midfield with discipline and power.
Forest looked comfortable and showed patience while searching for an opening. Their build up play was clear, and they attacked with energy from wide positions as well as central areas. Malmo were organised but lacked sharpness. They also came into this match after a long break due to the end of their domestic season, and that was visible in their slow movement and lack of rhythm.
Ryan Yates Breaks the Deadlock
Forest’s pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute. The move started from another attacking phase inside the Malmo penalty area. A Forest attempt was blocked, but Ryan Yates reacted faster than everyone else. He moved into the right space and finished calmly from inside the box. It was an important goal that rewarded the home team’s early dominance.
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The opener also changed the tone of the match. Malmo needed to come out more, but they did not have the quality or tempo to threaten Forest. The home team continued to control the midfield battles and regained the ball whenever Malmo tried to push forward.
Arnaud Kalimuendo Scores His First Forest Goal
Forest did not settle with one goal. They continued to search for a bigger lead before half time. Their pressure paid off again in the 44th minute when Arnaud Kalimuendo scored his first goal for Nottingham Forest. The goal came after Ryan Yates forced a strong save from a header. The rebound fell kindly for Kalimuendo, who reacted quickly and finished from close range. It was a simple touch but an important personal moment for him.
This second goal arrived at the perfect moment, just before the break. It gave Forest clear control and allowed them to manage the second half from a position of strength. Malmo looked frustrated and could not match Forest’s speed or physical level.
Forest Start the Second Half With Control
The second half followed the same pattern. Forest kept their shape and moved the ball with control. They prevented Malmo from entering dangerous areas and carried the ball forward with calmness. Malmo attempted to increase their tempo but did not have the ideas or sharpness to break down Forest’s defence. As a result, Forest stayed in control and continued to create chances at a steady pace.
Sean Dyche’s team were also confident in midfield. The combinations were smooth, and the transitions from defence to attack were quick and organised. The home fans enjoyed the performance because it showed maturity and progress.
Milenkovic Adds the Third to Seal the Win
Forest made it 3-0 in the 58th minute. The move began with another attacking sequence in the Malmo penalty area. A volley from Ryan Yates fell into the path of Nikola Milenkovic, who slid in to score from close range. The goal was checked by VAR, and after the review it was confirmed and allowed to stand.
This third goal ended the match as a contest. Malmo looked tired and short of confidence. They managed only one shot on target throughout the game and never placed Forest under real threat. Forest, meanwhile, looked sharp and could have added more goals with better finishing.
Forest Show Strong Defensive Discipline
Even at 3-0, Forest continued to work hard off the ball. Their defensive structure was strong, and they closed every space quickly. Malmo had no freedom to combine in midfield. Forest’s pressing also forced Malmo into mistakes whenever they tried to play forward.
The back line stayed alert, and the midfield supported with good positioning. This balance allowed Forest to control the match without losing energy or shape.
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Malmo Struggle to Compete
Malmo were second best in every phase of the match. They were slow in possession, and their attack had no movement or final pass. The long break before this European fixture affected their match fitness and sharpness. Their build up passing lacked speed, and their transitions were too slow to trouble Forest.
The visitors’ best moment came through a single shot on target, but it did not trouble the Forest goalkeeper. Overall, Malmo looked disconnected and lacked ideas in the attacking third.
Forest’s Recent Form Continues to Improve
This win stretched Forest’s run to three straight victories in all competitions under Sean Dyche. The team looked organised, confident and willing to work hard for each other. The improvements were visible across all areas of the pitch.
The players showed belief in Dyche’s system, and the performance was one of their most complete displays of the season. The crowd responded with loud support, and the atmosphere inside The City Ground remained positive throughout.
Impact on the Europa League Group
This victory pushed Nottingham Forest to eight points in the group stage. They moved close to the qualification zone and remained only two points behind the playoff spots. With one matchday left, Forest kept themselves in a strong position to challenge for a place in the next round.
The win also boosted the team’s confidence for the final group match. Their strong performance against Malmo gave them momentum and belief that they can complete the job and extend their European journey.
A Night That Connected Past and Present
The meeting between Forest and Malmo naturally brought back memories of the 1979 European Cup final. For older supporters, that match is one of the most important nights in the club’s history. The club honoured those memories before kick off, and the occasion created a special feeling at The City Ground.
Although the competition and stakes are different today, the connection to history added meaning to the night. Forest used that energy and delivered a committed performance that respected the club’s European traditions.
Nottingham Forest delivered a complete performance in their 3-0 victory over Malmo. They were dominant in possession, strong in defence and efficient in the final third. Goals from Ryan Yates, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Nikola Milenkovic allowed them to secure a deserved win. Malmo, on the other hand, struggled to match Forest’s tempo and created almost no danger.
This result kept Forest alive in the Europa League group and extended their positive run under Sean Dyche. It was a night that combined history, emotion and strong football.
FAQs
Q1. What was the final score of Nottingham Forest vs Malmo?
A. The final score was Nottingham Forest 3 Malmo 0.
Q2. Who scored the goals for Nottingham Forest?
A. Ryan Yates, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Nikola Milenkovic scored for Forest.
Q3. Where was the match played?
A. The match was played at The City Ground in Nottingham.
Q4. Did Malmo create many chances?
A. No. Malmo managed only one shot on target and struggled throughout the game.
Q5. What does this result mean for Forest in the Europa League?
A. Forest moved to eight points and stayed in the race for a playoff place.
Also Read- Champions League 2025/26 Top Scorers List
