Nottingham Forest are through to the Europa League quarter-finals after a shootout win over FC Midtjylland
Ryan Yates celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest against FC Midtjylland(Image: Getty)
Penalty shootout success over FC Midtjylland means Nottingham Forest can continue to dream of European glory, according to Ryan Yates.
The Reds are through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and a reunion with Portuguese giants Porto, who they beat in the group stage of the competition. But they did it the hard way to get there.
Vitor Pereira’s side overcame a 1-0 deficit in the second leg of their last 16 tie in Denmark. Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Yates saw them win 2-1 on the night, then 3-0 in the resulting penalty shootout.
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“I’m just buzzing we are through,” skipper Yates said. “Penalties are always nervy, always tough, but the lads stepped up. I’m really pleased.
“The journey is not over yet – we’re still dreaming. A shout out to the fans at home and the ones that have travelled here, spending money in a difficult time – from minute one they really helped us. It took penalties but we’re through, so that’s all that matters.”
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Yates admitted he had not had chance to watch his rocket strike back. It was a superb goal from the edge of the D with his left foot and doubled his team’s lead.
He thought he had won it for the visitors right at the death in extra-time, only for a header to be ruled out for offside. Victory was thoroughly deserved, though, as Forest had created a glut of chances on the night.
Pereira had named a much-changed line-up for the tie as he picked a team with Sunday’s huge league clash away to relegation rivals Tottenham Hotspur in mind. But the Reds’ second string stepped up to the plate, with Yates hopeful the confidence boost can carry through to the weekend.
“Considering the changes it just shows the strength we have and the spirit,” the midfielder said. “And at this stage of the season, that’s what it’s all about – showing togetherness, fighting for each other.
“A lot of lads who haven’t played many minutes will now be looking for more. You want to keep momentum going.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. We will recover well and head to Spurs this weekend.”