Nottingham Forest’s ambitions of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League remained intact despite a spirited 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. A penalty from Eberechi Eze and a quick equaliser by Murillo defined a match high on tension but low on clinical finishing, as both teams squandered opportunities to seal three points in a game with continental implications.
It ends level in South London. ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/4Ylm8uIn6v
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 5, 2025
A Game of Moments in a Scrappy Encounter
Nottingham Forest entered the contest under pressure, having slipped in the top-four chase following a 2–1 defeat to Brentford. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, were buoyed by their recent 3–0 triumph over Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final and looked eager to replicate that form in front of their home support.
The match, however, failed to ignite during a drab first half. Both sides created half-chances but lacked quality in the final third. Tyrick Mitchell’s pinpoint delivery to Daniel Muñoz in the 27th minute could have broken the deadlock, but the Colombian’s volley was tame, allowing Matz Sels to collect comfortably. At the other end, Anthony Elanga’s surging run culminated in a tame finish, easily parried by Dean Henderson.
Controversy briefly flared when Forest striker Chris Wood appeared to be held by Muñoz in the box. Referee Andrew Madley dismissed the appeals, and a swift VAR check upheld the on-field decision.
VAR Drama and Rapid Response Define Second Half
The game shifted gears just before the hour mark. A reckless challenge from Sels on Mitchell prompted a VAR intervention, and Eze confidently dispatched the resulting penalty with authority into the left-hand corner. The goal momentarily tilted momentum Palace’s way.
But the home side’s joy was short-lived. From a Neco Williams strike that seemed speculative at best, Murillo cleverly diverted the shot past Henderson with a flick that stunned the Selhurst Park faithful. Whether improvised or instinctive, the Brazilian’s equaliser was timely and significant.
Palace pressed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Eze nearly turned hero again in the 88th minute, rattling the crossbar with a curling effort. Substitute Eddie Nketiah thought he’d stolen the victory in stoppage time when he redirected Eze’s low shot into the net, but the offside flag was immediate and indisputable.
Forest’s Defensive Concerns Mount Ahead of Decisive Run-In
While Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo will welcome the point, injuries to key defenders could prove decisive in the season’s climax. Murillo was forced off with a suspected hamstring issue just moments after scoring, while Nikola Milenković also left the field after a clash of heads deep into added time.
The defensive duo have been central to Forest’s resurgence this season, forming a reliable partnership that has underpinned their push for Europe. With just three matches remaining — including a crucial final-day encounter against fourth-placed Chelsea — their fitness could define the outcome of Forest’s campaign.
Crystal Palace Miss Opportunity to Edge Closer to Record Points Haul
For Palace and manager Oliver Glasner, the draw felt like a missed opportunity. Sitting 12th in the table, they remain three points shy of equaling their best-ever Premier League points total of 49, set in the 2022–23 season.
Eze’s assuredness and flair stood out, suggesting he may be forcing his way into England manager Thomas Tuchel’s Euro 2024 plans. However, his supporting cast lacked the same precision. Nketiah and Maxence Lacroix both squandered late chances that could have secured victory.
With their European hopes fading in the league, Palace will now focus squarely on their FA Cup final clash with Manchester City on May 17. A historic cup triumph would mark their first major trophy and offer a backdoor route into continental competition.
Key Stats:
- Possession: Crystal Palace 52% – 48% Nottingham Forest
- Shots (on target): Crystal Palace 13 (5) – 11 (4) Nottingham Forest
- Fouls: Forest 10 – 9 Palace
- Corners: Palace 7 – 4 Forest
- Expected Goals (xG): Palace 1.82 – 1.09 Forest
Remaining Fixtures Will Decide Champions League Destiny
Nottingham Forest’s fate is still in their own hands, but the margin for error has narrowed. With matches against mid-table opposition followed by a defining clash with Chelsea, consistency and squad depth will be key.
For Crystal Palace, a respectable league finish would provide momentum heading into Wembley. Glasner’s men have shown they can rise to big occasions — the question remains whether they can do it when history is on the line.
Place your bets at JitaBet, JitaWin, and Jita88, they offer really good odds, play and win big!
"Having this reaction shows character." 👊
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 5, 2025
Nuno on #CRYNFO. 🗣️
Conclusion
Nottingham Forest demonstrated resilience in difficult circumstances, preserving their Champions League hopes despite injuries and adversity. Murillo’s quick reflexes and Eze’s elegant composure provided the highlights in an otherwise disjointed contest. With critical fixtures on the horizon, the final weeks of the season promise drama, intensity, and potential history for both clubs.
