Crystal Palace finished the match the stronger side, showing attacking intent and composure in the closing stages after Nottingham Forest’s Murillo cancelled out Eberechi Eze’s second-half opener from the penalty spot. The equaliser came just four minutes after Palace had gone ahead, but despite Forest’s quick response, it was the visitors who appeared more likely to grab a winner.
Crystal Palace’s late dominance nearly paid off. Eze struck the crossbar with a powerful effort. and substitute Eddie Nketiah came agonisingly close to snatching all three points, only to see his goal disallowed for a marginal offside. Despite the upcoming FA Cup final looming on the horizon, there were no signs of distraction from Palace, who maintained their focus and intensity throughout the contest.
For Nottingham Forest, the result added to a worrying trend. Their once-promising season now hangs in the balance, with the team managing just four points from their last five league games. Although the draw keeps them mathematically in control of their destiny, they currently sit two points adrift of the top five, with just three crucial fixtures remaining.
The final day of the season is shaping up to be a dramatic one, as fifth-placed Chelsea travel to face Forest in a match that could determine a coveted Champions League qualification spot. Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo acknowledged the high stakes, telling Sky Sports after the game: “There’s nobody that doubts—it’s for sure going all the way.”Palace had broken the deadlock on the hour mark when a VAR review led to referee Andy Madley awarding a penalty. The review was prompted by Nicolas Dominguez’s clumsy challenge on Tyrick Mitchell inside the box. After being sent to the pitchside monitor, Madley reversed his original decision, and Eze coolly converted from the spot.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper was beaten to level the score.
Forest, however, responded almost immediately. Just four minutes later, Murillo delicately flicked Neco Williams’ mis-hit shot past the Palace goalkeeper to level the score. At that point, Forest looked like the side in control, and a potential win would have lifted them to the edge of the top five, separated only by goal difference. But momentum began to shift.
Following Murillo’s goal, Forest lost rhythm and struggled to regain control, especially after the Brazilian defender was forced off with a hamstring injury. His absence left a noticeable gap in Forest’s backline, and from that moment on, Palace appeared the more threatening side.
Palace also suffered an injury setback when midfielder Adam Wharton had to be substituted shortly after the team’s opening goal due to an apparent ankle injury. Manager Oliver Glasner expressed concern post-match but remained hopeful the injury wouldn’t be too severe ahead of Palace’s upcoming trip to Wembley for the FA Cup final.
Despite the draw, the result leaves Forest in a precarious position. They are still in the mix for a European spot but can ill afford any more slip-ups. Fortunately, they will have a good opportunity to return to winning ways on Sunday when they host already-relegated Leicester City. With either Chelsea or Newcastle guaranteed to drop points in their head-to-head clash, Forest could gain vital ground in the race for Europe.
Palace, meanwhile, can take confidence from a resilient performance that underlined their strength heading into the final stretch of the season. Their recent form, combined with the fitness of key players like Eze and Nketiah, bodes well as they prepare for their first FA Cup final appearance in several years.
As the Premier League campaign reaches its dramatic climax, the battle for European places remains wide open. Forest’s upcoming matches—including the all-important clash against Chelsea on the final day—could define their season. Palace, safe from relegation and full of momentum, will look to finish on a high and carry their form into Wembley later this month.