What happened that day remains a sore point for most Forest fans - Paul Gascoigne escaped punishment for two wild tackles and Brian Clough failed to win the one trophy that eluded him.
Making things difficult is a habit that is hard to break; securing enough points to avoid relegation last season only to be hit with a four-point PSR punishment, dodging the drop to League One on goal difference in 2017, clinching promotion back to the Championship in 2008 on the final day of the season.
Even en route to our first European Cup in 1979, Forest conceded three at home to Cologne in the first leg of the semi-final.
We have talked endlessly about Matz Sels, Ryan Yates, Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic this season but it is the character of the whole squad, the whole club, that keeps on giving.
That was all evident in Saturday's win at Brighton. Nuno clearly has a high regard for the FA Cup and perhaps also a sense of unfinished business after his Wolves side lost to Watford in the 2019 semi-final.
Now set to face Manchester City, Forest's second trip to Wembley in three years harks back to the Clough era when trips down the M1 were a regular occurrence. Playing the Premier League champions and last year's runners-up, despite their toils this season, will of course be a huge occasion for a fanbase starved of success.
With two big matches this week against Manchester United and Aston Villa, the Reds' season is still very much alive on two fronts. And while it will not be easy, we can only hope Forest do not make it difficult for themselves - there are enough challenges as it is.
'We have done nothing yet' - Milenkovic on season run-inpublished at 11:00 BST 1 April
11:00 BST 1 April
Image source, Getty Images
Nikola Milenkovic says Nottingham Forest must not get carried away by their current position as they approach the closing stages of what has been a memorable campaign for the club.
Forest are third in the Premier League with nine games to play and will appear in their first FA Cup semi-final for 34 years later this month, providing chances to qualify for Europe next season for the first time in nearly three decades.
"It is difficult to imagine we could have been in this position," Serbia defender Milenkovic told BBC Sport chief football news reporter Simon Stone.
"But this is now our reality. We are so happy to be in this position at this moment.
"But we need to keep our feet on the ground. We have done nothing yet. We need to keep improving, keep working as a team and keep pushing in the last games."
Central to Forest's success has been the centre-back partnership between Milenkovic and Murillo.
Describing his 22-year-old team-mate as a "top player", Milenkovic said: "We understand each other really well. We complement each other really well.
"Our characteristics are different but that helps us to work better together. The relationship between us is very good.
"But the defence is all the team. If the rest of the team is defending well, it is easier for the back four and the goalkeeper. It is about the whole team but Murillo is a top player with very big potential - and he will get better."
Has cup football got its magic back this season?published at 08:59 BST 1 April
08:59 BST 1 April
Media caption,
Some 31 of the past 36 FA Cups have been won by one of five teams - but only one of those remains in this season's competition, and that is Manchester City.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were all knocked out before the quarter-final stage this season and that has opened the door to other clubs to have a chance at getting their hands on the trophy.
"The cup used to be a lot more democratic and dominance of the cup used to be unthinkable," said New York Times chief football correspondent Rory Smith on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "That is unhealthy and it gets boring.
"It takes away a lot of the magic because if you go to seven semi-finals in seven years it takes the shine off.
"But most people don't support those clubs and they support other teams, so Newcastle have been a great advert to why other teams should be going all in for those tournaments."
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added: "Newcastle's win will change the perception of the competitions that have almost felt second in importance to most Premier League teams."
Sutton's predictions: Nottingham Forest v Man Utdpublished at 08:40 BST 1 April
08:40 BST 1 April
I am concerned how Nottingham Forest will cope without Chris Wood up front if he is out injured. At the moment, it is not clear how serious his problem is.
Forest made quite a few changes against Brighton in the FA Cup over the weekend, and still got through without 'the Wood-chopper', but they really need him back as soon as possible.
Speaking as a Forest fan, it is especially annoying that he has picked up this injury while on international duty.
New Zealand have got an excellent cricket and rugby union team and I wish them every success at football, but do they really need Wood to get through their World Cup qualification campaign against the likes of Fiji and New Caledonia?
I'd argue they don't need him, and that Wood is better than that. If I was from New Zealand, I'd probably have won about 700 caps, and there are greater priorities for Wood, which are to win the FA Cup and get Forest into next season's Champions League.
It will be harder for Forest without him, but I still think they can repeat their win at Old Trafford in December.
Saturday's FA Cup win over Brighton was not exactly a thriller, but as we have seen plenty of times from Forest already this season, they are not here to entertain - they are here to get the job done.
As for Manchester United, it is a big end to the season for their boss Ruben Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes has carried them a bit recently in the league, and he is their best hope of getting a positive result here.
I am not sure either side will be too bothered about having the ball, but Forest fans are happy for them to sit deep and play on the counter, even when they are at home, and they are really good at it.
Nottingham Forest v Man Utd: Did you know?published at 07:21 BST 1 April
07:21 BST 1 April
Image source, Getty Images
Following their 3-2 win at Old Trafford in December, Nottingham Forest are looking to complete their first league double over Manchester United since 1991-92 under Brian Clough.
After their 3-0 win at Leicester, United are looking to win back-to-back Premier League games this season for the first time, and back-to-back away league games for the first time since winning three in a row in February 2024.
The Red Devils are one of only three sides yet to win successive Premier League fixtures this season, along with Ipswich and Southampton.
'Do we really have to choose?'published at 15:03 BST 31 March
15:03 BST 31 March
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Nottingham Forest should focus on trying to qualify for the Champions League or going all out to win the FA Cup.
Here are some of your comments:
Nippa: There is no preference. You play the next game to win and get what you get at the end of it all!
Ben: I want to be an FA Cup romantic, but Champions League football would provide such a big windfall that it offers a much better opportunity for establishing a strong foundation for future success. But with Forest's current form, do we really have to choose?
Kris: Financially, the Champions League offers the better opportunities for the club, so it has to be that really. That said, win the FA Cup and its silverware and a Europa League place - which might be more winnable. A nice choice to have!
Simon: I find it baffling that any fan would prefer top four over a cup win (I mean why not both? Can't believe as a Forest fan that I'm saying that!) Yes, European football brings in cash, but winning a cup is eternal. Look at the joy of Newcastle fans - they will remember this year more fondly than the year they made the top four.
Mick: If I was at Forest, I would want both. Win the cup and it's their first major trophy for a very long time. Qualify for the Champions League and it's a big increase in income and it's easier to retain players and attract new ones.
Richard: I may be old-fashioned and I realise that in the end it's all about the millions that clubs get from the Champions League, but the glory of winning the iconic FA Cup at Wembley simply outdoes the possible European adventure.
Nuno on Wood's fitness, reaching Wembley and Man Utdpublished at 14:13 BST 31 March
14:13 BST 31 March
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game at home against Manchester United (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno began by offering an update on Chris Wood's fitness: "He's improving, getting better day by day. We have to assess him day by day. A big contusion so [it is] very painful."
Asked if he had any other injury worries after the penalty shootout win over Brighton on Saturday in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, he smiled and said: "Of course we have. After we played extra time and a demanding game, we have to assess them all. I think we are recovering well. The joy and the happiness of coming through and playing at Wembley will for sure give us an extra run for tomorrow."
On the quick turnaround after playing 120 minutes at Amex Stadium: "It's very difficult on the players but we see them and they are recovering well. They are always being positive so we are confident we can perform again against a good team. In this short turnaround, it is all about recovering. We're going to be OK."
On the reaction to the win: "It was beautiful - everybody enjoyed. The fans enjoyed it and that is more important than anything. But it lasts so short and here we are again, focused on the game."
He was pleased for Ryan Yates scoring the winning penalty: "It was a very special moment for him. It was incredible just to see his smile. Club captain, all his life here... he is over the moon."
However, Nuno said the celebrations are over and Forest's attention has now totally switched: "Total focus only on tomorrow. It's always the same approach. Tomorrow is the most important one."
On Forest's league position heading into the final stages of the season: "We are delighted. We are delighted that we're going to play more matches and to have chances to perform, to improve and to grow as a club and a squad."
On the threat posed by visitors Manchester United?: "You can see the quality of the players and quality of the squad. They have quality all over the pitch. They have good options and solutions."
On Callum Hudson-Odoi's form: "He's improving. He has had some outstanding performances this season and is getting better and better. You have to have pleasure and enjoy who you work with and Callum is a happy boy playing and working with his team-mates."
Nottingham Forest's season just keeps getting better, but with an FA Cup semi-final and nine games to cement a place in the Champions League, we want to know which you deem to be more important.
A return to Europe's largest competition, or going all out to win silverware?
Champions League qualification or the FA Cup?published at 10:02 BST 31 March
10:02 BST 31 March
Image source, Getty Images
Would you prefer Champions League qualification or lift the FA Cup?
That is the debate on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast after Nottingham Forest edged their way into the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a penalty shoot-out win at Brighton.
"We don't give Nuno Espirito Santo enough credit for what he does and how he runs Nottingham Forest tactically," said former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. "But I think Forest's priority will be sealing that Champions League qualification.
"The belief is there that they can get it done. Beating Brighton in the FA Cup is a fantastic bonus that they can add on to an already sensational season. I think nine out of 10 Forest fans will pick Champions League qualification over the FA Cup."
Forest will face Manchester City at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup final, while remaining five points clear of Chelsea who are occupying fourth in the Premier League table.
Fan verdict on Forest reaching FA Cup semi-finalspublished at 09:28 BST 31 March
09:28 BST 31 March
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Nottingham Forest's penalty shootout victory against Brighton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Here are some of your comments:
John: Brilliant defensive performance. Brilliant Matz Sels performance. The only negative, as we all know, is not converting chances without Chris Wood. That aside, superb organised performance and total commitment from everyone involved.
Sean: It wasn't the best game of football, and at times we hung on and defended well, but we're showing some real togetherness and mental strength, especially during that penalty shootout. It could've gone wrong after Neco Williams' miss, but we stuck to our jobs and got it done. And it had to be Ryan Yates scoring the goal to send us to Wembley. Perfect ending. Now we're all in the sea. Come on Forest!
Luke: Forest are really good at doing what they do. That performance is our season in a microcosm. Nothing to fear in any of our opponents and Nuno continues to make this season better and better. What a time to be alive!
Malcolm: Forest deserved this win for the superb team display and organisation. Nuno has got them working with great togetherness and they really fight for each other. Fantastic performance.
Mossy: It was a hill to climb, and again after an exhausting game Forest prevailed. Now we have 48 hours' rest to climb a mountain, and get a result against Manchester United.
DJ: Absolutely deserved win based on a tactical masterclass from Nuno again. We broke down 99% of every play Brighton attempted to build. Pundits keep saying Forest's opponents have played poorly but it's because they can't when they're stopped from doing so at every turn. Awesome from players and management - again.
'It's going to be a beautiful moment'published at 20:47 GMT 29 March
20:47 GMT 29 March
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC after his side qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals: "We are so so happy. It was such a stressful moment and to share it with our fans, we are so happy."
On Neco Williams missing penalty: "Gutted. It's so important in the penalty shootout to score after the saved one. But Matz [Sels] saved again. He's been doing really well. It's the third time and we've always been successful. Credit to him."
On Ryan Yates scoring the winner: "It's a huge moment for all of us especially for him, he's been here since a young player."
On team line up: "Perfection doesn't exist but we did really well to control Brighton in terms of their possession. We did well. In the second half, we had chances. Both teams had a chance."
On the overturned penalty: "I rely on the attitude and the reaction of the players, they are the most fair guys."
On the semi-final: "We have to focus on the Premier League but it's going to be a beautiful moment for all of us on our journey."
'I am really happy to play at Wembley'published at 20:34 GMT 29 March
20:34 GMT 29 March
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels speaking to BBC after today's penalty shootout victory: "I'm happy. We are going to Wembley. It is amazing for the supporters so I am happy that I could help the team. I am really happy to play at Wembley.
"In penalty shootouts you always need a little bit of luck but I'm really happy. We need to continue now this good performance for Tuesday in the Premier League.
"We kept a clean-sheet, we didn't give away a lot of chances. You need a bit of luck in penalties but now we're focusing on Tuesday which is a big game."