Nottingham Forest’s bid for a Champions League spot remains alive after a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes the race will go down to the final day of the Premier League season.
The match saw both teams push for a victory, with Palace looking the stronger side towards the end. Eberechi Eze gave Palace the lead with a penalty after a VAR review, but Forest responded quickly as Murillo netted a clever flick from Neco Williams’ shot. Despite the equaliser, Palace continued to press, with Eze hitting the bar and substitute Eddie Nketiah’s goal ruled out for offside.
Forest’s form has dipped recently, taking just four points from their last five matches, but the draw leaves them two points outside the top five with three games remaining. Nuno remains optimistic, insisting that the battle for Champions League qualification will go to the wire, with the final game of the season against Chelsea set to be a pivotal encounter.
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The match wasn’t without its injury setbacks. Murillo had to leave the field with a hamstring problem after his goal, while Palace midfielder Adam Wharton was also substituted due to an ankle injury. Despite these concerns, Palace manager Oliver Glasner remains hopeful that Wharton’s injury won’t impact their upcoming FA Cup final.
Forest now look to bounce back when they face relegated Leicester City at home next Sunday, with the opportunity to reclaim momentum and keep their European aspirations alive. With Chelsea and Newcastle also set to face each other, Forest will be hoping for a favourable outcome.