Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says the FA Cup is ‘a competition we love’ after his side moved into the last eight with a penalty shootout win over Ipswich at the City Ground.
Forest legend Brian Clough was not able to win the famous trophy in his spell in charge – losing the 1991 final to Tottenham – and it is 66 years since their last win.
Ryan Yates’ header secured a 1-1 draw which forced a shootout, and goalkeeper Matz Sels was the hero when he saved Jack Taylor’s effort.
Speaking to ITV, Nuno said: “The players did their job quite well. We competed well.
“The first half was flat for both teams. I’m really happy that the boys achieved it and our fans are happy tonight.
“Now it is game by game. We have Manchester City in the league and then we can focus on the FA Cup. It is a competition we love and we will do our best.”
When each team in this season’s FA Cup quarter-finals last won the competition:
Bournemouth: NeverBrighton: NeverCrystal Palace: NeverFulham: NeverPreston North End: 1938Aston Villa: 1957Nottingham Forest: 1959Manchester City: 2023
— Will Jeanes (@will_jeanes) March 3, 2025
‘A few games and you’re in the final’
Our goalkeeper. pic.twitter.com/X7XDYJUl2H
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 3, 2025
Goalkeeper Sels dived to his left to keep out Taylor after nine immaculate penalties, and said his side are looking forward to progressing even further.
He said: “I’m happy I could help the team to the next round. It was the only penalty I was in the right corner for. Before the game you study penalties and I took the wrong corner but that was right. I am happy for the team.
“The game was not so good. In the end extra time is a gamble, you don’t want to gamble too much. In penalties one of the goalkeepers is going to be the hero. I am happy and looking forward to the weekend now.
“We know what to do. The FA Cup is really nice. A few games and you can be in the final.”
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