Champions League Hopes Fade as Nottingham Forest Draw 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park

Nottingham Forest Lose Ground in Champions League Race After 1-1 Draw with Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest’s hunt for a historic Champions League spot took another bump at Selhurst Park as they were locked in a tense 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. On a night when every point felt like gold dust, Forest couldn’t find the breakthrough, and the gap to the top five now looks more daunting with only a handful of matches left.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, especially for the visitors. Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo had called for calm before kick-off, but nerves were visible, especially as the first half fizzled out without much drama. Palace, secure in mid-table but eyeing their own historic points tally, played with freedom, putting Forest on the back foot at times.

Eze Strikes, Murillo Responds, but Injuries Cast Shadows

The second half snapped into life after an hour. Tyrick Mitchell, surging into the Forest box, was bundled over by Forest keeper Matz Sels. Palace’s Eberechi Eze, always cool under pressure, slotted home the penalty to break the deadlock and send the home fans into a frenzy. That was his ninth goal of the season, underlining why he’s so crucial for the South London club.

Forest barely had time to process the setback. Just four minutes later, defender Murillo popped up with a sharp finish, flicking Neco Williams’ cross-shot past Palace’s Sam Johnstone to get Forest back on level terms. For a moment, it looked like Forest’s fight for Europe was back on track. Their fans found their voices, and the team pressed hard, clearly knowing what was at stake.

Then disaster struck for the visitors. Murillo, not long after his goal, was forced off the field clutching his hamstring. With three massive matches to go, the thought of being without their rock at the back won’t sit well for Nuno and his staff. But that wasn’t the only injury scare. Palace’s Adam Wharton was also taken off after a knock, depriving Roy Hodgson’s side of stability in midfield.

The closing stages were the tensest of the night. Eze, ever the danger man, nearly grabbed another when his shot rattled the crossbar, and sub Eddie Nketiah missed a golden opportunity to jab in a winner for Palace. Forest threw on attackers but struggled to fashion clear chances, the tension so thick you could cut it.

As the final whistle blew, Forest’s players looked exhausted, both physically and mentally. They now sit sixth in the Premier League, still within striking distance of Chelsea—just two points behind—but their margin of error is gone. Chelsea, their rivals for that all-important Champions League spot, loom large as a final day opponent in what could be a winner-takes-all clash.

The worry now isn’t just about points, but bodies; with Murillo a possible absentee and a growing list of other injury concerns, Nuno Espírito Santo has his hands full. Forest have managed only four points in their last five league games—a worrying wobble at the worst possible time of the season. The pressure is well and truly on.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, won’t mind spoiling the party. This draw nudges them closer to their best-ever Premier League points haul, and their younger stars have given fans something to cheer about as the season winds down.

• Eberechi Eze provided yet another highlight for Palace fans.
• Murillo's form and injury will haunt Forest's run-in.
• The late-game drama keeps the fight for Champions League spots wide open with just weeks to play.