Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels was the hero, saving a crucial penalty in a shootout as his team defeated fellow Premier League side Ipswich Town to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. The match at the City Ground finished 1-1 after extra time, with Forest prevailing 5-4 on penalties.
Forest will face Brighton & Hove Albion away in the quarter-finals.
Ipswich took the lead in the second half through a George Hirst header. However, Forest responded quickly, with Ryan Yates heading home from an Anthony Elanga cross. Callum Hudson-Odoi then struck the crossbar for Forest as the home side pushed for a winner in normal time.
The match went to extra time, which proved largely uneventful, leading to a penalty shootout. After nine successful spot-kicks, Sels dived to his right to save Jack Taylor’s effort, securing Forest’s victory.
“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. It was the only penalty I was in the right corner. In penalties one of the goalkeepers is going to be the hero. I am happy. Looking forward to the weekend now.” This is Sels second penalty shootout save, with one coming against Exeter City in the previous round.
The victory marks Forest’s second FA Cup quarter-final appearance in four seasons. They now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where they host Manchester City on Saturday as they pursue a Champions League place. For Ipswich, the focus returns to their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Ipswich vs Forest
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