Nottingham Forest’s bid to stay in the Champions League race took a hit on Monday evening after a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team went into the match knowing they needed all three points to keep pressure on their rivals for a top-five finish. Instead, they were forced to settle for just one, which could prove costly as the race for Champions League qualification tightens.
Palace took the lead through a penalty from Eberechi Eze midway through the second half after a VAR check confirmed a foul on Tyrick Mitchell. Forest responded quickly with a clever flick from defender Murillo, who turned in Neco Williams’ shot to bring the score level.
But despite some late chances, neither side could find a winner.
Forest, currently in sixth place, now sit two points behind Chelsea and Newcastle, who occupy the fourth and fifth spots respectively. With just three games remaining, the margin for error has disappeared.
The club has not played in the Champions League since the 1980-81 season, and this campaign may slip away unless results elsewhere go in their favor.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was unavailable due to injury, but made the trip and watched from the stands with the away fans. His absence was felt, especially early on, as Palace looked sharper in attack. Eze and Adam Wharton controlled much of the first half, drawing praise from onlookers including England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Palace had early chances to take the lead, the best falling to Daniel Munoz whose volley forced a strong save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Forest eventually found their rhythm and nearly took the lead before half-time. Nicolas Dominguez and Chris Wood linked up on a quick break, setting up Anthony Elanga whose shot was well-saved by Dean Henderson.
The second half began at a frantic pace. Ismaila Sarr missed a good opportunity for Palace, and Forest answered with Wood again going close. The breakthrough came when Mitchell was brought down in the box and Eze coolly converted from the spot.
Palace later lost Wharton to injury, with manager Oliver Glasner opting to protect him ahead of their FA Cup final against Manchester City. Henderson kept Palace in it with a fine stop from an Elanga free-kick, but Murillo’s equalizer kept Forest’s slim hopes alive.
Late drama included Eze striking the crossbar and Eddie Nketiah scoring, only to be denied by an offside flag.
Forest now face Leicester and West Ham in must-win fixtures before what could be a decisive final day clash against Chelsea. Nuno notes his team must stay focused: “We keep pushing, that’s all we can do now.”
