Can Nottingham Forest Secure Champions League Qualification After Draw at Palace?
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Synopsis
In a gripping battle at Selhurst Park, Nottingham Forest missed a vital opportunity to enhance their UEFA Champions League hopes, drawing 1-1 against Crystal Palace. As the season approaches its climax, every point counts in this high-stakes race. Can Forest turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches?
Key Takeaways
- Nottingham Forest sits in sixth place, needing wins to secure a top-five position.
- Crystal Palace remains in 12th after the draw.
- Eberechi Eze scored via penalty for Palace.
- Forest's Murillo equalized shortly after.
- Both teams had chances in a tense final phase.
London, May 6 (NationPress) Nottingham Forest failed to gain crucial points in their quest for UEFA Champions League qualification after a 1-1 stalemate against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
This draw positions Forest in sixth place, just two points shy of the top five, with three matches left, while Palace remains in 12th.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Palace with a penalty, but Forest responded swiftly with Murillo equalizing, ensuring they left Selhurst Park with a point.
The first 25 minutes were tense, but Forest had their initial opportunity when Elliot Anderson struck the side-netting after receiving a cross from Morgan Gibbs-White.
Forest's most promising chance in the first half came shortly after, when Chris Wood found Anthony Elanga, but former Reds goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a crucial save to keep the scores level.
Ten minutes into the second half, the match grew more intense. Matz Sels made an outstanding save against Ismaila Sarr, while a counter-attack ended with Wood's shot being deflected for a corner.
On the hour mark, Palace was awarded a penalty for a foul on Tyrick Mitchell by Sels. After a VAR review, Eze converted the penalty, putting Palace ahead 1-0.
However, Forest responded quickly, with Neco Williams keeping a corner alive and Murillo redirecting the shot for the equalizer.
In the tense closing minutes, both teams sought the winner, but Palace's Eddie Nketiah had a late goal disallowed for offside.
Point of View
The draw leaves Nottingham Forest in a precarious position in the Champions League race. While they showcased resilience, the failure to secure maximum points against Crystal Palace raises questions about their ability to maintain a top-five finish as the season nears its end.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace match?
The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Who scored for Crystal Palace?
Eberechi Eze scored for Crystal Palace from the penalty spot.
How did Nottingham Forest equalize?
Murillo equalized for Nottingham Forest after a shot from Neco Williams was deflected.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at Selhurst Park in London.
What is Nottingham Forest's current standing?
Nottingham Forest is currently in sixth place, two points off the top five.
