Nottingham Forest secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years, with Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels emerging as the hero in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Brighton on Saturday.

After a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium following extra-time, Sels took centre stage, making crucial saves to send Forest to Wembley.

Sels denied spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gómez, and despite Neco Williams blazing his effort over the bar, Ryan Yates kept his composure to convert the decisive penalty.

This was not the first time Forest had relied on a shoot-out this season, having also needed penalties to overcome third-tier Exeter and Premier League strugglers Ipswich in the fourth and fifth rounds, respectively.

A Season to Remember for Forest

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are enjoying a remarkable campaign, with the possibility of both Champions League qualification and their first FA Cup final appearance since 1991.

Forest, who last lifted the FA Cup in 1959, currently sit third in the Premier League, edging closer to a historic return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 1980-81 season.

They are five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea and six ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City, with just nine games remaining.

The last Forest team to reach the FA Cup semi-finals was Brian Clough’s legendary side, who defeated West Ham before narrowly losing the final to Tottenham.

Brighton’s Revival Cut Short

Forest now join Crystal Palace in the semi-finals after the Eagles’ emphatic 3-0 victory over Fulham in Saturday’s other quarter-final.

On Sunday, Manchester City travel to Bournemouth, while Aston Villa face Championship side Preston, the only remaining club from outside the top tier.

Brighton had been seeking revenge after suffering a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Forest at the City Ground in February—their heaviest loss in 67 years. Since then, the Seagulls had gone on a five-match unbeaten run in the league, winning four times, but they were unable to overcome Forest’s penalty expertise.

Key Tactical Changes and Missed Opportunities

Nuno Espírito Santo made surprising changes to his starting line-up, leaving wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga on the bench—perhaps with Tuesday’s crucial league clash against Manchester United in mind.

Forest were also without top scorer Chris Wood, who sustained a hip injury while on international duty with New Zealand.

Wood’s replacement, Taiwo Awoniyi, almost made an instant impact, latching onto Ola Aina’s pass before unleashing a powerful effort that Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, saved at his near post.

However, with several of their key attacking options absent, Forest struggled to create further clear-cut chances. Brighton, too, lacked sharpness in front of goal, with Pervis Estupiñán’s long-range strike being parried away by Sels.

Carlos Baleba came closest for the hosts in the first half, driving a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area on the stroke of half-time.

Second-Half and Extra-time Drama

Forest showed more intent after the break, as Morgan Gibbs-White tested Verbruggen with a powerful strike from distance, prompting the Brighton keeper into a fine save.

Sensing a need for change, Nuno introduced Hudson-Odoi and Elanga, both of whom immediately injected more urgency into Forest’s attack.

Elanga nearly broke the deadlock, only to be thwarted by another excellent save from Verbruggen, sending the tie into extra-time.

Brighton almost snatched victory in the dying moments when Diego Gómez connected with a cross from Brajan Gruda, but Sels produced a stunning stop to deny him foreshadowing his decisive role in the penalty shoot-out.