Nottingham Forest reached their first FA Cup semi-final since 1991 after goalkeeper Matz Sels starred in a penalty shootout victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, March 29th. The quarter-final tie finished 0-0 after extra time, with Forest winning the subsequent shootout 4-3.
It marks Forest’s third consecutive FA Cup penalty shootout victory this season, having previously overcome Exeter City and Ipswich Town via spot-kicks. Sels was again the key figure, saving penalties from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez.
The 120 minutes of football preceding the shootout were largely uneventful, lacking quality and clear-cut chances. Brighton looked the more likely side to snatch a winner late in extra time, with Sels making a superb save to deny a powerful header from Gomez, and Joao Pedro having a goal disallowed for offside moments before the final whistle.
Earlier in the match, Forest had a penalty award overturned by VAR. Referee Peter Banks initially penalized Kaoru Mitoma for a foul on Elliot Anderson, but reversed his decision after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
After nine successful penalties in the shootout, Sels’ save from Gomez gave Forest captain Ryan Yates the opportunity to win the tie, and he duly converted to send the traveling fans into raptures.
“The game was not so good. In the end extra time is a gamble, you don’t want to gamble too much,” Sels told ITV Sport. “I’m happy I could help the team to the next round… In penalties one of the goalkeepers is going to be the hero.”
Brighton Rue Missed Chance
For Brighton, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to avenge their recent 7-0 Premier League humbling by Forest and ends their seven-match winning run in all competitions. Fabian Hurzeler’s side lacked their usual creative spark and struggled to break down a resolute Forest defence, despite creating the better late chances. They also suffered a potential injury blow, with Georginio Rutter limping off in the second half.
Nottingham Forest, missing top scorer Chris Wood through injury, defended solidly throughout and will now await the semi-final draw on Sunday. Brighton must quickly regroup as they continue their push for Champions League qualification, facing Aston Villa in the league on Wednesday.
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