In March 2024, Nottingham Forest was struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table. A points deduction had placed them dangerously close to relegation. They had already been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, leaving little hope for success.
One year later, the club is thriving. They are third in the league and aiming for a spot in next season’s Champions League. Even more impressively, they are on their way to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brighton. This marks their first FA Cup semi-final appearance in 34 years.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels was the hero at the Amex Stadium. He made two crucial saves in the shootout, keeping Forest’s dream of lifting the FA Cup alive. The club last won the competition in 1959, and now they are just one win away from the final.
Captain Ryan Yates, who scored the decisive penalty, expressed his excitement.
“This season has been incredible,” he said. “We still have a lot to achieve, but sending our fans to Wembley again feels amazing.”
He also reflected on the team’s previous success at Wembley.
“We all remember how special it was when we won promotion here. This trip will be just as emotional.”
Forest’s Shootout Success
Penalty shootouts have been a theme in Forest’s FA Cup run this season. They started with a straightforward win over Luton, but each round after that has gone to penalties.
They first needed a shootout to beat League One side Exeter City. Then, they survived another tense penalty battle against Premier League rivals Ipswich Town. The match against Brighton followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to break the deadlock in regular or extra time.
Matz Sels once again stepped up when it mattered most. He guessed correctly to deny Jack Hinshelwood and then blocked a powerful shot from Diego Gomez. His performance ensured Forest’s victory and made them the first team to win three penalty shootouts in one FA Cup season.
“Penalty shootouts always involve a bit of luck, but I feel proud and grateful,” Sels said after his game-winning saves.
His efforts throughout the tournament have not gone unnoticed.
“He’s done it again,” said Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo. “Every time we’ve faced penalties, he has delivered.”
Ryan Yates, who converted the winning spot-kick, praised his goalkeeper’s heroics.
“I felt nervous but knew I had to finish the job for Matz and the team,” Yates said.
Travel Fatigue Impacts Performance
The match came just days after the international break, and both teams showed signs of fatigue. Players from both sides had returned from long flights and struggled to maintain their usual energy levels.
Brighton’s squad collectively traveled 86,208 miles during the break, while Forest’s players covered 83,054 miles. The travel demands appeared to take a toll, as neither team could find their rhythm. Passes went astray, and goal-scoring chances were rare.
Former England striker Gary Lineker called for football authorities to address the issue.
“Something needs to change,” he said. “Yes, players earn a lot of money, but that doesn’t mean they should be exhausted from excessive travel. The fans deserve to see high-quality football.”
Tactical Decisions Raise Questions
Nuno Espírito Santo made some surprising choices for the match. With key striker Chris Wood out due to injury, he rested both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. Some questioned whether he was saving them for Tuesday’s crucial league match against Manchester United.
Both players came on in the second half but struggled to influence the game. However, Hudson-Odoi did step up in the shootout, calmly converting his penalty.
“You have to respect Nuno’s decision,” said former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney. “Some people doubted him, but he got the result.”
Forest’s focus now shifts to their upcoming matches. With a Champions League spot within reach and an FA Cup final on the horizon, the club has everything to play for.