Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said it was a « huge moment » for the club to reach their first FA Cup semifinal in 34 years after they beat fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels and midfielder Ryan Yates proved to be Forest’s heroes as they knocked out Brighton 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the game finished goalless following extra time at the Amex Stadium.
Belgian Sels saved successive spot-kicks from Brighton duo Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gómez, while captain Yates scored the decisive penalty for the visitors to send them to Wembley.
« We are so happy, all of us. It was a dream seeing our fans like that. There is nothing better, » Nuno told the club’s website.
« In terms of the performance I think the boys did really well, really well. We controlled the midfield and I think we were dominant against a team that is difficult to control and credit to the team for that.
« To win is a huge moment for all of us and especially Ryan Yates, he’s a one club man, club captain. »
It also marked a third straight FA Cup penalty shootout victory for Forest, having knocked out Exeter City and Ipswich Town on penalties in the earlier rounds.
Sels said it was a moment to enjoy.
« We had a few chances to score in the game but we went to penalties and I did my research which was good to help the team, » Sels added.
« Over the last few weeks we have worked on penalties; it’s different in training of course and there is more pressure in the match. I’m happy to help the team and save two penalties.
« The guys did the rest and I’m really proud of them and we’ll look forward to another game in this competition.
« It’s been a few years since the supporters have been to a semi-final so we’ll look forward to it as a team, hopefully we can go there and do something greater. »
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