Surely nobody wanted to admit it before the game, but both Nottingham and Ipswich managers looked like they didn’t need this FA Cup game, and for the same reason – the Premier League. In any other situation, a deep cup run is desirable, but in this case, it was only a burden for both clubs. Ipswich are out of form and deeply in relegation battle, so any other distraction is not needed at the moment, when safety in the England’s top division is a priority. On the other hand, Forest are this year’s surprise and have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League, which is a chance that doesn’t come very often and coach Nuno Espirito Santo must use.Matz Sels emerged as the hero, saving Jack Taylor’s penalty and securing @NFFC’s place in the #EmiratesFACup last eight for the first time since 2022 🌳 pic.twitter.com/tcRP40aCC0— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 3, 2025 The host were unbeaten at home since November in all competition while the guests had six losses and one draw from their last seven Premier League games. Tonight, they added another defeat, but only after 120 minutes of football and a penalty drama: Nottingham Forest – Ipswich 1-1 (5-4 on penalties). Both clubs decided to sacrifice the FA Cup due to important games in the league and fielded second team players. That idea backfired as both clubs lacked quality to beat each other so they had to play 120 minutes of football and in the end, all players are now more tired and with less hours to prepare for the league than they participated.Eight teams have secured their place in the #EmiratesFACup quarter-final!Drop a ❤️ if your club made it! pic.twitter.com/xPyWYSZpW3— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 4, 2025 With so many first-team players rested for this game, it wasn’t a surprise that the first half wasn’t so dynamic. In fact, it was flat and boring and England‘s manager Thomas Tuchel who finally decided to attend a football match in person probably regretted why he came in the first place. Absolutely nothing happened apart from Sangare‘s great header in the 10th minute, after Anthony Elanga‘s corner. Former Manchester United‘s winger and ex Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi were the driving force of the home team but Ipswich basically stood in defensive block all the time and nothing went through.🇧🇪🧤 Matz Sels (33) saves the penalty and sends Nottingham Forest through to the FA Cup quarter-final! 🏆✨pic.twitter.com/NWVErDcHxd— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 3, 2025 Luckily for everybody at the stadium, the second half was everything which the first half wasn‘t. Nottingham went for all or nothing and started to get through the defense of the guests. And then a shock. Out of nothing a corner for Ipswich and the home defenders left Hirst all alone at the far post. His header went to the ground first and went though Sels‘ legs and into the net for a surprising lead in the 54th minute. Nottingham managed to equalize after 14 minutes when a home boy Yates used his head after a great cross from Elanga and sent the fans into a delirium. The same player looked like he decided a winner with a second goal 10 minutes later, but VAR overturned it due to offside. Murillo could have scored a stunning goal from over 25 meters eight minute from time, but luckily to Ipswich fans, goalie Palmer was there to save it. Hudson-Odoi rattled the crossbar with a curled effort from distance just minutes later, but that was the last chance in 90 minutes. An extra 30 minutes of extra-time came and went without a winner despite Nuno Espirito Santo sending on top scorer Chris Wood and England international Morgan Gibbs-White. Jack Taylor was the only man who failed to score from the spot as Matz Sels’ save edged the shootout 5-4 in Forest’s favor to set up a last eight trip to Brighton.FA CUP – ROUND 5Friday Aston Villa – Cardiff 2-0 (0-0)/Asensio 68, 80/Saturday Crystal Palace – Millwall 3-1 (2-1)/Tanganga 33 og, Munoz 40, Nketiah 81 – Harding 45+13/Preston – Burnley 3-0 (2-0)/Brady 31, Osmajic 44, Keane 73/Bournemouth – Wolverhampton 5-4 on pen (1-1)/Evanilson 30 – Cunha 60/Man.City – Plymouth 3-1 (1-1)/O’Reilly 45+1, 76, De Bruyne 90 – Talovierov 38/Sunday Newcastle – Brighton 1-2 a.e.t. (1-1)/Isak 22 pen – Minteh 44, Welbeck 114/Man Utd. – Fulham 3-4 on pen (1-1)Fernandes 71 – Bassey 45+1/Monday Nott.Forest – Ipswich 1-1 (0-0) (5-4 after penalties)/Yates 68 – Hirst 53/
