Nottingham Forest Reach FA Cup Semi-Finals with Thrilling Penalty Shootout Win

Nottingham Forest secured a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Brighton & Hove Albion to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years. Get the latest updates on the FA Cup and Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest secured a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, following a 0-0 draw, to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years. This triumph extended Forest's unbeaten run to five matches, with three wins and two draws.

QUE SERA, SERA! 🎶 pic.twitter.com/8k4xmFlR0e

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 29, 2025

Nottingham Forest entered the match on a high, having secured successive victories prior to this encounter. Under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest started the game on the front foot, displaying a sense of urgency and intent. In the 16th minute, Taiwo Awoniyi had a golden opportunity to put Forest ahead, but his strike across goal was thwarted by a brilliant save from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

As the first half progressed, Forest's initial momentum began to wane, and neither team was able to gain a firm grip on the game. Brighton eventually mustered their first shot on target in the 31st minute, courtesy of Pervis Estupinan's powerful strike from distance. The ball bounced just in front of Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, but he managed to react swiftly and push the ball to safety, ensuring the score remained goalless.

Nikola Milenković was a rock at the back for @NFFC, and scored a well-taken penalty in the shootout 🥶

He's their @emirates Player of the Match as they progress to the #EmiratesFACup semi-finals 👏 pic.twitter.com/v2AY4qbrOM

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 29, 2025

As the first half drew to a close, Brighton & Hove Albion continued to gain momentum, and they went agonizingly close to taking the lead. Carlos Baleba found himself in a promising position on the edge of the area, but his left-footed volley narrowly missed the right post, denying Brighton a crucial goal.

The second half saw Nottingham Forest create another scoring opportunity, as Morgan Gibbs-White unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box. However, Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was equal to the task, expertly tipping the ball over the crossbar to maintain the deadlock.

In a match characterized by back-and-forth action, the next significant chance fell to the hosts. Jack Hinshelwood rose highest from a corner, but unfortunately, he was unable to direct his header on target, and the ball sailed out for a goal kick. As the 90-minute mark approached, it became clear that the match would require extra time to determine a winner, with neither team able to break the 0-0 stalemate.

In the second half of extra time, Brighton came heartbreakingly close to scoring the decisive goal. Diego Gómez met Brajan Gruda's cross with a headed effort that seemed destined for the back of the net. However, Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels produced a stunning save to deny Gómez and send the match to a penalty shootout.

Brighton & Hove Albion came tantalizingly close to securing a late lead in the second half of extra time. Brajan Gruda delivered a precise cross into the box, and Diego Gómez met it with a well-directed header that seemed destined for the back of the net. However, Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels pulled off an incredible save to deny Gómez and keep the scoreline intact.

FULL-TIME: Saint-Etienne 1-6 Paris Saint-Germain!

UNDEFEATED in the last 38 away matches 🤯❤️💙#ASSEPSG (1-6) | #Ligue1 pic.twitter.com/55RUsIzuSq

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) March 29, 2025

In a dramatic turn of events, Brighton thought they had clinched victory with just two minutes remaining. Joao Pedro cleverly squared the ball to Gómez, who poked it home, sparking jubilation among the Seagulls' players and fans. However, the euphoria was short-lived, as the goal was ultimately disallowed due to an offside infringement. With neither team able to find the back of the net, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

For the first time in 34 years. pic.twitter.com/G5x8iKIuNy

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 29, 2025

The penalty shootout proved to be a thrilling conclusion to the match. Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels made two crucial saves to give his team the advantage. Ryan Yates seized the opportunity, stepping up to take the decisive penalty. With ice-cool composure, Yates rifled the ball into the bottom-left corner, securing the shootout victory for Forest and sending them to their first major semi-final in 34 years. This triumph marked Forest's third FA Cup shootout success this season.