It’s hard to believe how much Nottingham Forest has changed in just one year. In March 2024, the club was close to relegation. They had just lost points due to a penalty and had already been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. It seemed like things couldn’t get worse.
Now, just 12 months later, Forest is fighting for a place in the Champions League. They’ve also reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1991. This is a massive turnaround for the club.
Forest’s Big FA Cup Win
Forest’s journey to the semi-finals reached a thrilling conclusion in a penalty shootout against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. After a goalless draw, the game went to penalties. Forest’s goalkeeper, Matz Sels, saved two vital penalties. His performance kept Forest’s dream of winning the FA Cup alive.
Forest’s last win in the FA Cup came in 1959, and this season, they are closer than ever to lifting the trophy. It has been a long wait, but the team is hopeful.
From Near Relegation to Champions League Dreams
Forest’s season has been nothing short of amazing. Right now, they are in third place in the Premier League. With just a few games left, they are on the brink of returning to European football after 28 years.
“It’s been an unforgettable season,” said team captain Ryan Yates. “We haven’t secured anything yet, but sending our fans to Wembley means everything to us.”
Ryan Yates was right. This season has been a dream. Last year, they were fighting just to stay in the Premier League. Now, they are pushing for a Champions League spot.
Penalty Wins: Forest’s Key to Success
Forest’s path to the FA Cup semi-finals has been full of penalty shootouts. Their ability to stay calm in these high-pressure situations has been the key to their success.
They won their first match 2-0 against Luton, but after that, every match went to penalties. In the third round, Forest beat Exeter. Then, they overcame Ipswich the same way. Against Brighton, a 0-0 draw led to another penalty shootout.
Sels was the hero of the night, saving two penalties. He blocked a weak shot from Jack Hinshelwood and then stopped a strong strike from Diego Gomez. His quick reflexes helped Forest keep their dream alive.
“Luck plays a part, but I’m really proud of my performance,” said Sels after the match.
Sels has already saved penalties in other games this season and now has 12 clean sheets in the league. His confidence is growing, and Forest’s defense is getting stronger.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo praised Sels for his great work. “He saved three penalties in the FA Cup. Full credit to him,” he said.
Ryan Yates played a key role in the victory. He scored the decisive penalty that sent Forest to the FA Cup semi-finals. “I felt nervous, but I stayed focused,” said Yates. “Matz gave us the chance, and I just finished the job.”
Travel Fatigue Affects Play
This match came after a long international break. Brighton’s players had traveled 86,208 miles, while Forest players traveled 83,054 miles. The tiredness was obvious. Both teams struggled to make sharp passes, and the match lacked intensity.
Former footballer Gary Lineker shared his thoughts. “The sport must take this seriously. Yes, players earn well, but performance matters. Fans don’t enjoy watching players who are too tired to play well.”
Forest’s manager, Nuno, decided to leave out some key players, including Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. Some wondered if he was saving them for the upcoming match against Manchester United, which could be important for securing a top-four finish.
Hudson-Odoi and Elanga came on in the second half but didn’t make much of an impact. However, Hudson-Odoi scored one of Forest’s penalties in the shootout.
Forest’s Champions League Dream
As Forest prepares for the FA Cup semi-finals, they are also aiming for a top-four finish in the Premier League. A Champions League spot would be huge for the club. It would be their first time in the competition in years.
The team’s rise from relegation candidates to potential Champions League contenders is incredible. It’s a testament to the hard work of the players and their management team. This season has been full of surprises, and Forest fans are hoping the team can keep going strong.
“We’re not done yet,” said Yates. “We’ve come a long way, but the journey isn’t over. We want to keep pushing.”
It’s been a remarkable year for Nottingham Forest, and with more challenges ahead, their fans are excited to see what comes next.