Nottingham Forest have reached the FA Cup semifinals for the first time in 34 years, as they beat Brighton 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes at the Amex on Saturday.
MORE — FA Cup schedule | List of FA Cup winners, finals
Nuno Espirito Santo's side were dangerous throughout but missed injured talisman Chris Wood up top and couldn't finish off their chances. Brighton had some big chances too, especially in extra time, but Fabian Hurzeler's side saw both Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez denied by Matz Sels in the penalty shootout.
That set the scene for Forest captain Ryan Yates to step up and score the winning penalty kick to send the away fans wild as Forest's players and staff ran to celebrate with them.
Not content with unexpectedly being in the hunt for Champions League qualification late in the Premier League season, Forest are now heading to Wembley for an FA Cup semifinal too.
Nuno’s Forest bend but don’t break
This was an ugly, brutal game and that's just the way Nuno and Forest like it. There's no disrespect in that statement whatsoever. So many teams would love to grind out results like Forest do but they can't. Nuno Espirito Santo is a fine manager at having teams well-organized and using the small margins to get results. The fact Forest have won three FA Cup ties on penalty kicks to get to the semifinal stage this season will have talk of "destiny" swirling in the air and why not? Forest have been playing with house money for many months now and not only are they looking very good in the Champions League hunt late in the season after their remarkable turnaround, but they now also have an FA Cup semifinal in April to look forward to too. There will be no fear in Forest's team when they walk out at Wembley and they have absolutely nothing to lose. That is very dangerous for whoever they come up against in the semifinals. Based on their league position, Forest should now be the favorites to win this competition. Most will fancy Aston Villa or Man City to win it all, but Forest have that wonderful knack of hanging in there and not making mistakes to beat themselves. That is a wonderful trait to have. Especially in the chaos of the cup.
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (via FotMob.com)
What’s next?
Both teams are back in Premier League action in midweek as Brighton host Aston Villa on Wednesday, April 2, while Nottingham Forest host Manchester United on Tuesday, April 1.
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest score: 0-0
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Yates sends Forest to Wembley!
Ryan Yates, the Forest skipper, slams home the penalty kick as Verbruggen gets a hand on it but can't keep it out. Forest win 4-3 on penalty kicks. For the third time in the FA Cup this season they've won on penalty kicks.
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