Just one year ago, Nottingham Forest barely survived relegation after losing points and exiting both domestic cups early. Fast forward twelve months, and the club is celebrating one of its best seasons in decades.
Forest has climbed to third in the Premier League and secured a long-awaited return to the FA Cup semi-finals. They earned their spot by edging Brighton in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Amex Stadium after a tense goalless draw.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels played the hero, making two crucial saves to keep Forest’s hopes alive. With this win, the club remains on course to lift the FA Cup for the first time since 1959.
Forest’s Rise: From Relegation Battle to Champions League Dreams
Last season, Forest struggled. A point deduction nearly sent them down, and they failed to make an impact in cup competitions. Now, they are in third place, aiming for European qualification.
A return to the Champions League after almost thirty years is within reach. Fans who endured years of struggle now dare to dream again.
Club captain Ryan Yates, who scored the winning penalty, reflected on the club’s transformation. “We haven’t won anything yet, but making it to Wembley means the world to our supporters,” he said.
Yates also recalled the club’s emotional promotion to the Premier League in 2022. “That Wembley night changed everything. Now, we go back, and it means just as much.”
Penalty Drama as Sels Saves the Day Again
Forest’s journey to the semi-finals has been filled with nerve-racking shootouts.
They started with a 2-0 win over Luton in round three before surviving penalty drama against Exeter City and Ipswich Town. Against Brighton, the same pattern followed.
Both teams struggled to create clear chances in normal time. When the game went to penalties, Forest’s goalkeeper stepped up once again.
Sels dived to his right and saved Jack Hinshelwood’s attempt. Then, he denied Diego Gomez with a strong right hand. His heroics set the stage for Yates to slot home the winning penalty.
After the game, Sels stayed humble. “Shootouts always need a little luck, but I’m happy I could help,” he said.
Sels has now kept 12 clean sheets in the league and has been crucial in every cup shootout.
Coach Nuno Espírito Santo praised him: “Three shootouts, three wins. Matz was outstanding again.”
With this win, Forest set an FA Cup record. They became the first team to win three shootouts in a single FA Cup campaign.
Yates admitted he felt pressure before his decisive spot-kick. “I was nervous, but I had to finish the job. Matz made it possible.”
Fatigue and Travel Take a Toll
Both teams returned from a tiring international break. Players looked sluggish, and passes went astray throughout the match.
Brighton’s squad traveled a total of 86,208 miles. Forest players were not far behind, covering 83,054 miles in the same period.
The exhaustion showed. Former England striker Gary Lineker criticized the travel demands. “Players earn well, but their performance suffers. Fans don’t get the best football when players are this tired,” he said.
Before the game, some questioned Nuno’s decision to rest star wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. With Chris Wood unavailable, Forest lacked attacking options.
Nuno likely had Tuesday’s key Premier League match against Manchester United in mind. Hudson-Odoi and Elanga came on in the second half but struggled to create chances.
Hudson-Odoi, however, kept his cool in the shootout, converting from the spot.
Wayne Rooney, former United star, defended Nuno’s tactics. “People doubted him, but the result speaks for itself.”
Forest’s dream of FA Cup glory is alive. They will now prepare for the semi-finals at Wembley. Their league campaign also remains strong, with Champions League qualification in sight.
The journey from near-relegation to cup contenders has been remarkable. Fans hope this is only the beginning of a new golden era for Nottingham Forest.