Nottingham Forest reached the Europa League quarter-finals with a penalty shoot-out victory over Midtjylland after boss Vitor Pereira benched a host of key players ahead of their crunch Premier League fixture against Tottenham on Sunday.
Pereira said he did what he “must do” in making nine changes from last weekend’s match against Fulham, benching the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Igor Jesus, before facing their relegation rivals, who sit one point above them, live on Sky Sports.
Midtjylland held a one-goal lead after beating Forest for the second time this season in the first leg, but goals in Denmark either side of half-time from Nicolas Dominguez’s header and Ryan Yates’ arrowed shot deservedly put the visitors ahead in the tie.
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Gibbs-White, Anderson, Murillo, Ola Aina and Neco Williams all came on during the second half, but they couldn’t prevent Martin Elic from smashing the hosts level with 20 minutes remaining or find a late winner.
Forest striker Lorenzo Lucca and captain Yates both had goals ruled out in extra time for offside as the tie went to penalties, where Midtjylland were denied by the same post twice and then missed their third spot kick while Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangare and Williams expertly dispatched theirs to send Forest through.
Pereira: ‘Fantastic’ Forest squad deserve this win
Vitor Pereira and Neco Williams celebrate after Nottingham Forest’s penalty shootout win at Midtjylland
Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira:
“We are very happy. We proved today we came here to compete, that we have good players. We played, in the first half, fantastic, away on this pitch. A very high level. Second half, with the subs, we kept going. I had the chance to balance the energy of the players to prepare the next game.
“When we win it is different. The spirit is different, the energy is different. The boys deserved it because they are a fantastic group. Very good players, with team spirit, character and we showed everything today.
“I don’t have any doubts we have the quality and we will compete to achieve our targets. And to thank our supporters – they deserve to keep playing in this Europa League.”
On his starting line-up: “I did what I must do because in three days we have an important game.
“Today is a Europa League game. We have ambition, we will compete for the result and we have the quality to win this game. I believe in my players.
“I have a responsibility and it’s crucial for the club to keep its position in the Premier League.”
Yates: We’re still dreaming
Nottingham Forest players celebrate their penalty shootout win in the Europa League at Midtjylland
Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates:
“I’m buzzing we’re through. Penalties always nervy, always tough, but the lads stepped up and we’re really pleased.
“It’s not over yet – we’re still dreaming.
“From minute one, the fans really helped us. Considering the changes, it shows the strength in depth we have, the spirit.
“At this stage of the season it’s about showing that togetherness, fighting for each other. A lot of lads played today who haven’t had many minutes – and a lot of them took their opportunities.
“That winning feeling is special. You want to keep that momentum going. Momentum at this stage of the season is huge.
“We need to recover well, focus on Tottenham and hopefully we can keep building and go and get those wins.”
Europa League knockout schedule
Quarter-finals: April 9 and 16
Semi-finals: April 30 and May 7
Final: May 20 -Besiktas Stadium, Istanbul
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