Nottingham Forest Keep European Dream Alive With Gritty Draw at Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest’s hopes of securing a historic Champions League berth remain alive after a spirited display earned them a hard-fought point at Crystal Palace. A quick-thinking equaliser from Murillo capped a determined performance and could prove pivotal in their late-season push for European qualification.
Despite sitting 17th last season, Forest’s transformation under Nuno EspÃrito Santo has been nothing short of remarkable. With just three matches remaining, they remain in contention for a top-five finish—a feat few would have predicted. After falling behind to Eberechi Eze’s penalty, Forest responded swiftly, with Murillo restoring parity just four minutes later, showcasing the resolve that Nuno has instilled in the squad since taking over from Steve Cooper.
Eze nearly clinched victory for Palace late on, rattling the crossbar, but Forest held firm to give their travelling fans reason to dream. The draw snapped a worrying run of four losses in five games, including a tough FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City. With a crucial local derby against Leicester up next, followed by West Ham and Chelsea, Forest’s European ambitions remain within reach.
“We’re pushing the players mentally and physically,” Nuno said. “Character, confidence, and controlling anxiety will be vital in this battle.”
Palace, still buoyed by their upcoming FA Cup final, posed a serious threat and fielded an unchanged lineup from their emphatic win over Aston Villa. Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets and a potential Palace investor, watched on from the stands alongside chairman Steve Parish. However, the sight of Adam Wharton limping off after Eze’s goal cast a shadow over their evening. “He twisted his ankle, but hopefully it’s nothing serious,” said manager Oliver Glasner.
Forest, hampered in recent weeks by a lack of depth, welcomed Ibrahim Sangaré back to the starting XI for his first Premier League start since August. Callum Hudson-Odoi, sidelined with a hamstring injury, was seen supporting the team from the away section.
Palace dominated early, with Chris Richards nearly converting from a corner, but Forest weathered the storm. They nearly capitalised on a defensive mishap from Tyrick Mitchell, only for Dean Henderson to avert disaster. Moments later, a promising counter led by Morgan Gibbs-White ended with Anthony Elanga’s shot being saved.
Palace threatened again early in the second half through Ismaïla Sarr, while Chris Wood spurned a golden opportunity at the other end. The breakthrough came when Mitchell was felled by Matz Sels, and after a VAR review, Eze confidently converted the resulting penalty.
Forest’s equaliser came soon after—Murillo reacting smartly to guide Neco Williams’ wayward shot into the net. The Brazilian’s departure with an injury late on was a concern, but the visitors were spared a last-minute defeat when Eddie Nketiah’s goal was ruled out for offside.
In a season full of twists, Forest’s journey to the top table of European football is still alive—and after a battling display like this, belief continues to grow.
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Lineups
C Palace
- 1Dean Henderson
- 26Chris Richards
- 5Maxence Lacroix
- 6Marc Guehi
- 12Daniel Munoz
- 20Adam Wharton
- 18Daichi Kamada
- 3Tyrick Mitchell
- 7Ismaila Sarr
- 10Eberechi Eze
- 14Jean-Philippe Mateta
Substitutes
- 55Justin Devenny
- 25Ben Chilwell
- 21Romain Esse
- 19Will Hughes (s 61')
- 17Nathaniel Clyne
- 11Matheus Franca
- 9Eddie Nketiah (s 76')
- 8Jefferson Lerma (s 87')
- 31Remi Matthews
Nottm Forest
- 26Matz Sels
- 34Ola Aina
- 31Nikola Milenkovic
- 5dos Santos Murillo
- 7Neco Williams
- 6Ibrahim Sangare
- 8Elliot Anderson
- 16Nicolas Dominguez
- 10Morgan Gibbs-White
- 21Anthony Elanga
- 11Chris Wood
Substitutes
- 33Pereira Carlos Miguel
- 4Felipe Morato (s 81')
- 9Taiwo Awoniyi
- 15Harry Toffolo
- 20Pedro Jota Silva
- 22Ryan Yates (s 76')
- 24Ramon Sosa (s 65')
- 28dos Santos Danilo
- 30Willy Boly
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