While the glory days seem lightyears away for Nottingham Forest now, they have had some absolutely amazing European nights.
There are some corkers that miss out, too – Cologne and Ajax in the European Cup, Bayern Munich and Celtic in the UEFA Cup – but that says everything about how fortunate Forest have been.
Very few clubs can say they’ve had silverware on the continent, which makes these nights even more special.
As such then, here are five European nights that will live forever for Nottingham Forest.
5. NFFC 1-0 Lyon
The 1995/96 UEFA Cup run remains popular among supporters as a second generation of Forest fans got to witness their side play across the continent.
While it would come crashing down with a thumping 7-2 aggregate defeat to eventual winners Bayern Munich, they had some fun on the way.
This was most notable in the Last 16 match against Lyon, which saw Forest host their French counterparts in the first leg.
In a very tight affair, Paul McGregor scored the only goal of the tie in the 83rd minute, earning his place in Forest history in the process.
4. NFFC 2-0 Liverpool
Having won the First Division, Forest players and fans were dreaming of a glamorous European tie abroad to kick off their adventure.
Instead, they were paired against reigning holders Liverpool – the side they pipped to the 1978 league title and as such, could go out of Europe without leaving England.
However, Forest were rampant and thanks to goals from Garry Birtles and Colin Barrett, went to Anfield with a 2-0 lead.
This in itself sent shockwaves across Europe and on a night where The City Ground was rocking, put Forest on the European map.
They drew 0-0 at Anfield to progress and the rest is history, with the Miracle Men making their first serious step in the competition.
3. FC Barcelona 1-1 Nottingham Forest
The Super Cup used to be over two legs, so the fact Forest had beaten Barcelona 1-0 at The City Ground wasn’t enough to get the trophy.
As such, they had to go to the Nou Camp to get the job done, which they duly did with a 1-1 draw.
Kenny Burns scored the Forest goal to secure the trophy and by doing so, ensured the Reds have done something very notable.
They are the only English side unbeaten against Barcelona in competitive fixtures, which is certainly no mean feat.
Considering the two clubs are unlikely to meet anytime soon, it’s a record that will likely remain for a very long time.
2. NFFC 1-0 Malmo
Just four years prior to the 1979 European Cup final, Forest were languishing in the Second Division, so this was quite a change in scenery.
Brian Clough’s men made the impossible possible that night in Munich against Malmo though, despite losing a few key players to injury.
Just before half-time, John Robertson finally got an opening down the wing and his cross was headed in at the back post by Trevor Francis.
The Reds comfortably saw the game out and by doing so, put their name among the elite – something which can never be taken from them.
1. NFFC 1-0 Hamburg
Some doubters will always say that a one-off win is a fluke, so for Forest to retain the European Cup proved it was no accident.
This time, their opposition was much sterner, with Hamburg having many German internationals in addition to Ballon d’Or holder Kevin Keegan.
However, a fierce rearguard display saw the Reds hold out and keep a clean sheet, with Peter Shilton having a remarkable game.
Robertson went from provider to scorer as he bagged the only goal at the Bernabeu, in a night that will live forever in Forest history.
Will European nights ever return for Nottingham Forest?