Nottingham Forest edge Brighton in penalty thriller to reach FA Cup semi-finals

Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic place in the FA Cup semi-finals by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 in a penalty shootout, with Ryan Yates blasting home the decisive spot-kick after a goalless draw following extra time.

Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels played a key role in the victory, denying Jack Hinshelwood’s low strike before stopping Diego Gomez’s central attempt. Despite Neco Williams missing for Forest, the two-time FA Cup winners ultimately prevailed.

Forest, who last won the competition in 1959, have now needed penalties in three consecutive FA Cup ties, including victories over Exeter City and Ipswich Town. This marks their first semi-final appearance since 1991.

The Amex Stadium was electric, but the first half lacked intensity on the pitch. Brighton's Bart Verbruggen made an impressive save after 15 minutes to deny Taiwo Awoniyi from a tight angle. Awoniyi led Forest’s attack in place of injured top scorer Chris Wood. Brighton responded with Yasin Ayari narrowly missing from distance and Carlos Baleba firing just wide.

After the break, Brighton increased the pressure, with Georginio Rutter coming close when he swiveled and sent a shot over the bar. The turning point appeared to come when Forest were awarded a penalty for Kaoru Mitoma’s challenge on Elliot Anderson, but a VAR review overturned the decision.

As the match neared its conclusion, Forest pressed for a winner, with Verbruggen saving Murillo’s late attempt and Yates firing over. Extra time saw both sides struggle to create clear chances, though Sels produced a crucial save to deny a powerful header from Brighton substitute Gomez. Joao Pedro thought he had given Brighton the lead, but his goal was ruled out for offside, sending the match to penalties.

Brighton, who reached the semi-finals in 2023 and 2019 but have never won a major trophy, saw their hopes dashed once again. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace also secured a semi-final spot earlier in the day with a 3-0 win over Fulham. The quarter-finals continue on Sunday, with Preston North End hosting Aston Villa before Manchester City visit Bournemouth.

SportsLigue