A second-half strike from Diogo Jota proved enough to send Liverpool into the FA Cup semi-finals and end Nottingham Forest's magical run with a 1-0 win at the City Ground.

With Steve Cooper's side spurning several opportunities to break the deadlock in front of their own fans, Jota poked home from Kostas Tsimikas's cross in the 78th minute to win the quarter-final tie for the Reds.

The best chance of an open first half fell to Roberto Firmino, who was clean through on goal, but the Brazilian's weak attempt at a chip could not beat Forest goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

Cooper's side were then presented with a gilt-edged chance to draw first blood in the 76th minute, but Philip Zinckernagel dragged his effort inches wide as Cooper and co collapsed with their heads in their hands on the touchline.

Two minutes after Zinckernagel's missed opportunity, Tsimikas produced some clever play on the left before crossing for Jota, who managed to stay onside and poke home at the far post, and the goal was awarded after a VAR review.

The hosts were then denied a penalty as Ryan Yates went down under the challenge of Alisson Becker - with his foot brushing the arm of the Liverpool goalkeeper - but Jurgen Klopp's side held on to set up a Wembley encounter with Manchester City.