To defeat the Championship team, Forest had to win by penalty shootout.
Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager of Nottingham Forest, stated that his team’s labor-intensive night in their FA Cup rematch match against Bristol City was worthwhile because they secured a fifth-round matchup with Manchester United.
At the City Ground, the match concluded in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, forcing Forest to win in a spot shootout.
The game’s most heroic play came from goalie Matt Turner, who stopped Sam Bell’s attempt in the shootout after Jason Knight’s equalizer had negated Divock Origi’s opening goal for Forest.
The Portuguese remarked, “We are so happy; it was tough but worth it.” “We had players having trouble, more time, let’s evaluate them right now and see how they’re doing.
“With players that have been out for so long it is tough, but it was the best possible way to manage the situation we are in now, trying to protect players that are returning, we have to measure the minutes they are on the pitch.
“The response was good. It was tough, but the attitude and the character to never give up makes me very, very happy.
“This is the FA Cup, it is so special and that is why we are so happy and proud to keep continuing and fighting for something that is so huge for us, to fight for a trophy, with the history of the club we have to keep on fighting and try to deliver.”
Manchester United visit the City Ground in three weeks for the fifth-round tie.
“It is going to be fantastic and huge for us but before that we have a lot of things to prepare. We have a tough one on Saturday (against Newcastle),” Nuno added.
Bristol City boss Liam Manning was proud of his side’s effort and praised Bell, despite his decisive penalty miss in the shootout.
“He is understandably gutted; the lads have been great and got around him,” Manning stated.
Even while this experience is difficult now, it will only make him stronger and harder in the long run. I told him that was the best he’d been since coming here, and I felt he did a really good job.
“We wouldn’t have got to penalties if it wasn’t for him making that recovery run and tackle at the back post.
