Nottingham Forest’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) dreams took another hit after being held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. With only one win in their last five Premier League (PL) outings, Forest are slowly slipping away from the top five, and the timing couldn’t be worse. This result leaves them two points adrift of fifth place, with just a handful of matches remaining.
Let’s break down the action-packed draw with drama, missed chances, and the ever-controversial VAR.
First Half: Missed Opportunities and Moments of Magic
Despite the high stakes, Forest were slow off the blocks. Palace looked sharper early on, nearly benefiting from a defensive mix-up when Tyrick Mitchell’s headed back-pass almost caught Dean Henderson off guard.
Mitchell soon turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross to Daniel Muñoz at the back post. Muñoz’s volley demanded a quality save from Matz Sels — the first real test of the game. Forest, though sluggish, produced the half’s best moment on a classic counter. Chris Wood’s unselfish setup gave Anthony Elanga a golden chance, but Henderson denied him with a brilliant stop.
Second Half: VAR Drama and Rapid-Fire Goals
The game burst into life just minutes after the restart. Sels denied Ismaïla Sarr’s sharp turn and strike, and seconds later, Maxence Lacroix made a heroic block to keep Chris Wood from writing Forest history with a potential 10th away goal of the season.
The defining moment came just before the hour mark. VAR intervened to award Palace a penalty after Sels fouled Mitchell in the box. Eberechi Eze stepped up confidently, bagging his third goal in many games.
Forest’s response was immediate. Just minutes later, Neco Williams fired a shot that deflected off Murillo’s outstretched leg and rolled into the far corner — a lucky break, but a timely equaliser nonetheless.
Final Moments: Close Calls But No Winners
Both sides pushed for a winner, but the final quarter lacked cutting edge. Eze came closest, rattling the crossbar with a thunderous hit, while substitute Eddie Nketiah had his stoppage-time strike ruled out for offside.
Ultimately, it was a point that did more harm than good for Forest’s top-five chase, especially with rivals Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Chelsea all winning over the weekend.
What This Means for Forest and Palace
Nottingham Forest’s grip on Champions League qualification continues to loosen. Having occupied third place for much of the season, they now sit outside the top five, making every remaining fixture a must-win.
This result confirms another bottom-half finish for Crystal Palace — their ninth in the last ten seasons. Though not in danger of relegation, the Eagles have little to fight for except pride and positioning.
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Conclusion: Forest Must Regroup or Miss Out
This was a match that Nottingham Forest simply had to win — but didn’t. While they showed spirit by responding quickly to Palace’s opener, their inability to turn chances into goals is becoming costly. With only a few games left, the race for Europe is tightening, and Forest must find their spark fast.
Will they rise to the challenge or fade out of the UCL picture? Time — and perhaps Bangbet — will tell.
