Closer and closer to the possible return of the historic Nottingham Forest to the Premier League 23 years after their last presence (in 1998/1999 Forest fell and never rose to the top flight).
After winning 2-1 away, Nottingham Forest were beaten by Sheffield United in the first leg and were happier (and more competent) in the shoot-out to confirm reaching the Champions League promotion play-off final.
With Cafu and Tobias Figueiredo starting on the home bench, the first goal of the match was scored in the 19th minute by Brennan Johnson, but Sheffield managed to turn the tide with Morgan Gibbs-White equalizing in the 47th minute and John Fleck in the 75th he gave the advantage to the guests, forcing extra time, where the result did not change, and subsequent penalties.
At the penalty mark, Nottingham goalkeeper Bryce Samba put on a hero’s cape and saved three Sheffield shots, while Forest won 3-2 (Portuguese Cafu scored and did not lose). It was a real madness at the City Ground when thousands of fans unleashed a (peaceful) invasion on the pitch to celebrate with the players.
In the final, Forest will face Huddersfield City, who eliminated Luton (2-1 on aggregate) in the other semi-final. The match will take place on May 29 at Wembley, the winner of which will receive promotion to the Premier League.
