Staff Reporter.
Liverpool will play Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley after they edged past Nottingham Forest in a pulsating quarter-final at the City Ground.
Diogo Jota scored the only goal of the game for the visitors, prodding in Konstantinos Tsimikas’ cross from the left with 12 minutes remaining.
Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated possession but were made to work for their victory by their relentless Championship opponents, who saw a late penalty appeal turned down by VAR when Ryan Yates fell after a challenge with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.
The Portugal international netted the winner on 77 minutes with a diving volley to poke a crossed ball past opposing goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
Liverpool will now make another trip to Wembley for the semifinals next month where they will face City, who ran out 4-1 winners at Southampton in the competition earlier on Sunday.
The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in the hunt for a quadruple after they lifted the Carabao Cup trophy last month. Liverpool are also through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League and stand just a point behind City in the Premier League table.
Forest left 97 seats vacant to honour the fans who died in the tragedy at the Hillsborough Stadium in April 1989 when the two sides last met in the competition.
“We have Watford, Benfica, City, Benfica, City, [Manchester] United and Everton (after the international break),” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
“From a Liverpool perspective these are all massive games and we try to play them one at a time and not all together.
“We knew before the game City would be the opponent if we wanted to go to the final anyway. Now here we go.
“The further you go in whichever competition the more likely you are you will face City at one point.
“I don’t think we are the dream draw for anyone, but it will be a tough tie and we have to make sure it will be tough for City as well.
“But there are a lot of games to play before that.”
The semi-final ties will both be held at Wembley on the weekend of 16 and 17 April.