If Forest could replicate the performance they displayed in their 3-0 victory against Liverpool at the weekend, then it would be a tough ask for Malmö, but the Swedish side were happy to give as good as they got in the opening stages.
The hosts Arnaud Kalimuendo flashed an effort just wide of the post with the game’s first real chance before the away team responded with an opportunity of their own when Sead Hakšabanović’s strike from the edge of the area forced a smart stop out of John Victor.
In what was a repeat of the 1979 European Cup final, Forest were giving a solid account of themselves and duly opened the scoring midway through the first half when Nikola Milenković’s cut back fell kindly for Ryan Yates, who hammered home from 12 yards.
Forest continued to pile forward as they looked to extend their advantage, only for a stunning low save from Melker Ellborg to deny Kalimuendo his first goal for the club.
The home side went even closer to a second from the resulting corner, as Milenković headed straight at Ellborg while unmarked around six yards from goal.
The Malmö stopper was required to intervene again just moments later to repel another header, this time from Yates, but Kalimuendo was on hand on the rebound to slam home and snap his drought since moving to the East Midlands.
In truth, the game was effectively over at 2-0 for the Swedish side, but the result was placed beyond any reasonable doubt shortly after the break when Yates’ strike fell kindly for Milenković, who turned home from inside the six-yard box.
The hosts continued to pour forward, and can count themselves slightly unfortunate not to have added a fourth goal within seconds of the restart, as Callum Hudson-Odoi jinked into the area and curled an effort against the crossbar.
Murillo hobbling off with what looked like a hamstring injury was a blemish on the evening considering his importance to Forest’s success over the last year and a half.
Dyche’s men continued to push and probe for more goals in the closing stages, but they appeared to show Malmö mercy in the closing stages as the chances ultimately dried up.
Forest’s position in the league phase table now looks a lot brighter as they sit 16th, while for the Swedes, their elimination could be confirmed during the next matchday given they have just one league phase point so far.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest)
