Nottingham Forest’s remarkable transformation over the past year has reached new heights, as they secured a place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.
Their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium kept hopes of a first FA Cup triumph since 1959 alive, marking yet another milestone in what has been a spectacular season.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels was the hero on the night, making two crucial saves to deny Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez.
His heroics continued a trend for Forest, who have now won three consecutive FA Cup penalty shootouts—becoming the first team in history to achieve the feat in a single season.
“In penalty shootouts, you always need a little bit of luck, but I’m really happy,” Sels said after the game.
Captain Ryan Yates, who slotted home the winning penalty, was equally ecstatic. “I was a bit nervous, to be fair—just so relieved it went in,” he admitted. “Matz saved two penalties, and I just knew I had to capitalise and send us to Wembley.”
Forest’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just a year ago, they were battling relegation after a points deduction. Now, they sit third in the Premier League, on course for Champions League qualification.
With key players rested against Brighton, manager Nuno Espirito Santo seemed to have one eye on Tuesday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United—a match that could further cement Forest’s position in the top four.
Regardless of how the season ends, Forest’s resurgence has been one of the most compelling stories in English football, proving that underdog dreams can still come true.
