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Nottingham Forest has secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2024-2025 FA Cup after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion in a dramatic penalty shootout. After a goalless 120 minutes, Forest held their nerve from the spot to eliminate their Premier League rivals.
Verbruggen falls short again in shootout
Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen once again failed to be the hero in a penalty shootout. Just days after losing to Spain on penalties in the Nations League, Verbruggen was unable to stop any of Forest’s efforts. In contrast, Forest keeper Matz Sels saved two crucial penalties, helping his side advance. Remarkably, Forest has now progressed via penalties in three consecutive rounds, having also edged out Exeter City and Ipswich Town in similar fashion.
Forest misses star striker but still advances
Nottingham Forest was without top scorer Chris Wood, who had scored a hat-trick in their last meeting with Brighton. The striker missed out due to a hip injury sustained during the international break. Despite his absence, Forest created the better chances throughout the match. Early on, Taiwo Awoniyi forced a sharp save from Verbruggen with a low strike. In the second half, Morgan Gibbs-White tested the Dutch keeper again with a fierce shot from distance that was pushed over the bar. Brighton, featuring Dutch duo Jan Paul van Hecke and Verbruggen, had little response until late in the game.
VAR reversal and late drama
Brighton escaped a potential penalty in the second half after Kaoru Mitoma’s accidental trip on Elliot Anderson was initially deemed a foul. VAR overturned the decision, ruling there was no intent from the Japanese winger. In the dying moments of extra time, Diego Gómez nearly won it for Brighton with a header that was expertly tipped over by Sels. Forest also had a goal ruled out for offside, sending the tie to penalties.
Forest perfect from the spot
During the shootout, Neco Williams missed for Forest by firing over, but Hinshelwood and Gómez both failed to convert for Brighton. With flawless finishes from their other takers and two saves from Sels, Nottingham Forest booked their place in the semi-finals and continued their remarkable penalty streak. Forest now joins Crystal Palace in the final four, with two more quarter-finals yet to be played. The road to Wembley is becoming clearer, but drama is guaranteed. Forrest will face Manchester City in an attempt to reach the FA Cup final this year.
