Nottingham Forest ended their 34-year wait for an FA Cup semifinal appearance with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
The Championship side’s remarkable cup run continues after a tense 0-0 stalemate through extra time, with goalkeeper Matz Sels emerging as the hero with two crucial saves.
The Belgian shot-stopper denied Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez from the spot, while Ryan Yates coolly converted the decisive penalty to send Forest through. This marks the third consecutive round Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have progressed via shootouts, having previously eliminated Exeter City and Ipswich Town in similar fashion.
“We’re living special moments,” said Nuno after the match. “Matz has been incredible for us all season – today he showed why we brought him in.” The Portuguese manager now leads Forest toward a potential double achievement: their first FA Cup final since 1991 (when they lost to Tottenham) and a surprising push for Premier League promotion.
According Soccertv365, Forest’s cup heroics evoke memories of their legendary 1990-91 campaign under Brian Clough, the last time they reached this stage. Their semifinal opponents will be determined after Sunday’s quarterfinals, where Manchester City and Aston Villa look to join Crystal Palace in the final four.
As Forest prepare for their Wembley semifinal – their first major cup appearance at the national stadium since the 1992 League Cup final – the club’s remarkable resurgence under Nuno continues capturing imaginations across English football.