Forest manager Nuno insists FA Cup semi-final is just like any other match.

This weekend marks Nottingham Forest’s first FA Cup semi-final since 1991. However, with the club also pursuing Champions League qualification, manager Nuno Espirito Santo emphasised that the match holds equal significance to their other fixtures.

Forest emerged victorious in their last semi-final appearance but have not lifted the FA Cup since 1959. Their most recent trophy was a League Cup triumph in 1990, which occurred during the club’s illustrious period under the management of Brian Clough.

Under Clough, Forest secured the league title in 1978, won back-to-back European Cups, and clinched four English League Cups, but they faced relegation in 1993 during his final season.

Nuno has revitalised the mood at the City Ground and believes that there’s no need to shift his tactics ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final showdown with Manchester City.

“In our preparations, this match is treated the same as any other,” the Portuguese manager told the media.

“We have maintained our usual preparation cycle, approaching this match in the same manner we always do. We’re aware it will be a challenging game, but it’s also a special occasion that we need to savour.”

“The significance of this game is exactly the same as our last one, and the next one. Therefore, our approach remains consistent.”

Currently sitting fourth in the league table, Forest trails Manchester City by just one point, aiming to make a return to Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 1980.

After suffering two successive league defeats, Forest rallied with a crucial 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, providing a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of the Cup semi-finals.

“That was incredibly helpful. The best way to set up for a match is by performing well in the one before it,” Nuno remarked.

“And I believe we did that; we responded well to past performances, and the players were in great form, so we feel confident.”

Forest advanced to the semi-final after winning three consecutive penalty shootouts against Exeter City, Ipswich Town, and Brighton & Hove Albion. The winner of Sunday’s match will face either Crystal Palace or Aston Villa, who are scheduled to clash on Saturday.