Nottingham Forest narrowly secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a tense penalty shootout victory against Ipswich Town, following a 1-1 draw at the City Ground on March 3, 2025. The decisive moment came when goalkeeper Matz Sels saved Jack Taylor's penalty, sending Forest through with a shootout score of 5-4.
The match started slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The opening half ended goalless, much to the disappointment of the scattered crowd. It wasn't until the second half when the game sparked to life. Ipswich's George Hirst opened the scoring just after half-time, nodding home unmarked from a corner kick, putting the visitors on the path to what seemed like their first win against any Premier League side this year.
Yet Forest, determined to keep their dreams alive of winning silverware for the first time since 1990, responded through captain Ryan Yates. He leveled the score with a well-placed header from Anthony Elanga's cross. This moment set the stage for a tense conclusion, where both teams jockeyed for the winning goal. Before the end of normal time, Forest had opportunities to claim victory, but they remained unable to break through Ipswich's defense.
Both clubs were void of their first-choice players, prioritizing their respective campaigns in the league. Forest is embroiled in the fight for Champions League qualification, and Ipswich is firmly battling to escape the relegation zone. This juggling act resulted in disjointed performances, especially during the first half of the match.
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo and Ipswich's Kieran McKenna made significant changes to their lineup. They both had to make tactical decisions as they sought to balance cup ambitions with league survival. Sels, whose agility and skills have been noted throughout the season, faced considerable pressure during the shootout and seemed well-prepared.
After 90 minutes ended with no definitive winner, the match slipped to extra time. Again, neither side managed to capitalize on their chances, cementing the notion of the game being tightly contested, which led to the needle-stiff penalty shootout.
Both sides scored effortlessly from the spot until Taylor stepped up, the fate of his team hanging on his boot. Last season, he faced similar pressure during the Carabao Cup when his shot was saved, and this time history repeated itself. Despite typically performing well from the spot, he faltered under the spotlight as Sels dove low to his left, securing Forest's advancement.
The atmosphere turned electric at the City Ground once Sels made the save, sending Forest fans erupting with joy. "I’m happy I could help the team to the next round," Sels remarked after the match. He also noted, "Before the game, you study penalties, and I chose the wrong corner previously, but this time I was right." His save represented more than just technical prowess; it signified the culmination of Forest's hopes for success this season.
Nuno Espírito Santo expressed his delight, stating, "The help the fans gave us during the penalties—making all the noise to distract the Ipswich players—was significant. Both the players and fans made it possible for us to win tonight. We love the FA Cup and have high hopes to keep progressing." His joy was palpable as he engaged with jubilant supporters celebrating the victory.
On the other side, Ipswich's McKenna reflected on the match's challenges, noting, "I am really proud of the effort of the players; they could not have put more effort out on the pitch. It's disappointing to lose this way, but it truly came down to small margins." He acknowledged his team's performance could not diminish their quest for survival as they look forward to upcoming league battles.
With the victory, Nottingham Forest will next face Brighton at the Amex Stadium. The anticipation surrounding this matchup intensifies, especially as Forest humiliated Brighton with a 7-0 victory earlier this season. For Forest, this cup run continues to be historic, and they inch closer to their dream of lifting the coveted trophy.
Both managers face considerable pressure as they approach key league matches. Forest must prepare for their clash against Manchester City, and Ipswich’s relegation fight remains front and center. Each side's direction heading out of this cup match might just serve to intensify their league ambitions.
The road to success is narrow, but for Nottingham Forest, Sels' heroics will long be remembered as the turning point of this exciting FA Cup adventure.