Ryan Yates, Nottingham Forest`s captain, and goalkeeper Matz Sels emerged as heroes in a tense FA Cup match, adding to Brighton`s penalty shootout woes.
Goalkeeper Sels blocked two crucial penalties during the shootout, while Yates confidently scored the decisive penalty, propelling Nottingham Forest into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.
Brighton`s penalty shootout heartbreak continues, reminiscent of their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United two years prior.
Nottingham Forest felt vindicated in the end, especially considering a penalty decision that could have given them the lead earlier in the match was overturned.
Referee Peter Bankes initially awarded a penalty to Forest after Kaoru Mitoma`s challenge on Elliot Anderson. However, VAR intervened, leading to the reversal of the decision, prolonging what had been a lackluster match.
Sels`s outstanding saves denied Brighton`s Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez, while Neco Williams missed his penalty kick for Forest.
Ultimately, Yates`s successful penalty sent Forest to Wembley, keeping their hopes alive for an unforgettable season.
Despite the dramatic conclusion, the game itself was not a classic encounter.
Their previous 2-2 draw at Brighton in September was far more eventful, marked by a red card for Morgan Gibbs-White and dismissals for both team managers.
In February, Forest dominated Brighton with a 7-0 victory at home.
Since then, Brighton, under Fabian Hurzeler, had been on an unbeaten run, aiming for both a Champions League spot and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The match began with high energy, suggesting neither team desired extra time. However, poor passing accuracy and a lack of quality in the final third meant clear scoring opportunities were scarce in the initial stages.
Forest`s Taiwo Awoniyi, replacing the injured Chris Wood, had a notable chance, but Brighton`s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a crucial save.
Forest held the upper hand in possession but struggled to create further significant chances.
It took nearly 30 minutes for Brighton to threaten Sels’ goal, with Yasin Ayari`s long-range shot being deflected wide.
Goalless First Half
Pervis Estupinan attempted a shot from distance, which Sels fumbled, but Brighton failed to capitalize on the rebound.
Despite Forest`s slight dominance, manager Nuno`s frustration grew visibly.
After Carlos Baleba`s shot narrowly missed the target, Nuno instructed Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to prepare to enter the game.
However, no substitutions were made at halftime, and Brighton started the second half with renewed intent.
Georginio Rutter, who had been quiet in the first half, created space for a shot that went just over Sels’ goal.
Shortly after, Gibbs-White responded for Forest with a dipping shot that Verbruggen skillfully tipped over the crossbar.
VAR Denies Penalty
The game became more open and exciting. Brighton`s Hinshelwood missed a good chance with a free header from an Estupinan corner.
Around the hour mark, Nuno introduced Elanga and Hudson-Odoi to inject more dynamism into Forest`s attack.
Forest initially thought they had broken the deadlock when Mitoma`s sliding challenge on Anderson led to the award of a penalty.
However, VAR review prompted the referee to overturn his decision.
The Forest bench protested, feeling they should have had two penalties, referencing an earlier incident involving Adam Webster and Yates.
Brighton`s manager responded with his own substitutions, aiming to regain control of the match.
Forest Close to Scoring
Forest came close to scoring when Verbruggen again denied Elanga after a Gibbs-White pass.
In another quick attack, Elanga’s cross intended for Gibbs-White resulted in the latter colliding with the goalpost.
Both teams seemed to settle for extra time as the game moved into stoppage time, which extended to 11 minutes.
Brighton`s substitute Gomez had the first chance in extra time but opted to cut back instead of shooting, losing the opportunity.
Gomez later had a shot blocked by Nikola Milenkovic.
Early in the second period of extra time, Gomez`s header forced Sels into a good save, tipping the ball over the bar.
Decisive Penalty Shootout
Sels then saved a shot from Simon Adingra, and Jan Paul van Hecke blocked Jota Silva’s attempt.
Joao Pedro of Brighton scored, but it was disallowed for an offside in the buildup.
The deadlock remained, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the FA Cup quarter-final.
Brighton, choosing to shoot first in front of their supporters, saw Pedro, Anderson, Brajan Gruda, and Hudson-Odoi all convert their penalties. However, Sels saved Hinshelwood’s penalty, Brighton’s third, only for Williams to then miss his for Forest.
Brighton’s hopes were quickly dashed as Gomez`s penalty was also saved by Sels.
Milenkovic scored his penalty, putting pressure on Lewis Dunk, who also converted.
Finally, captain Ryan Yates stepped up and confidently scored, securing Nottingham Forest`s place at Wembley.
