Nottingham Forest have booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals after a remarkable penalty shootout triumph against Midtjylland in Denmark.
The English side arrived at the second leg trailing 1-0 from the first meeting at the City Ground but secured a 2-1 victory in normal time before winning 3-0 from the spot.
Vitor Pereira’s men will now meet either Stuttgart or Porto in the last eight next month as their European campaign continues.
Forest had entered the match having lost both previous Europa League encounters with the Danish outfit, but delivered when it counted most to overturn their aggregate deficit.
Nicolas Dominguez broke the deadlock shortly before half-time with a looping header after Nikola Milenkovic nodded Dilane Bakwa’s deep cross back across goal.
Captain Ryan Yates then fired Forest into the lead on aggregate seven minutes into the second half, unleashing a fierce 20-yard effort that flew past goalkeeper Elias Olafsson.
However, Martin Erlic hauled Midtjylland level in the 69th minute when a cross into the box fell kindly for the defender to strike past Stefan Ortega, sending the contest into extra time.
Forest thought they had won it when Yates headed home late in the additional period.
Nottingham Forest have booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals
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However, the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The shootout proved disastrous for the hosts, as all three of their penalty takers failed to score.
Cho Gue-sung stepped up first but could only strike the woodwork.
Aral Simsir then hit the same post moments later.
Edward Chilufya’s attempt ended in embarrassment when he lost his footing during his run-up and sent his effort wide.
Forest, by contrast, showed composure from twelve yards as Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangare and Neco Williams each converted their spot-kicks to complete the 3-0 shootout victory and seal their passage to the quarter-finals.
Pereira’s team selection suggested the manager had one eye firmly on domestic matters, with nine alterations made from the goalless draw against Fulham the previous weekend.
The Portuguese coach clearly prioritised Sunday’s crucial Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham over European progression, yet his much-changed lineup still dominated proceedings in Denmark.
Forest registered 11 attempts on goal during the opening 45 minutes compared to just one from their opponents, with Yates striking the crossbar and Philip Billing clearing off the line before Dominguez finally broke through.
The victory ensures Forest’s European adventure extends into April despite their ongoing top-flight struggles.
