Forest’s Champions League Hopes Take a Hit After Selhurst Park Stalemate

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Nottingham Forest’s push for a historic Champions League spot took a hit on Monday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

In a tense affair, it was Eberechi Eze who broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, calmly converting from the spot after Forest keeper Matz Sels brought down Tyrick Mitchell in the box. The goal was just reward for Palace, who showed more urgency in the second half after a quiet opening 45 minutes.

But Forest responded almost immediately. Just four minutes later, Neco Williams fired in a low effort from the edge of the area that took a telling deflection off Murillo and nestled into the net. The Brazilian centre-back, however, hobbled off shortly after with a hamstring injury, casting doubt over his availability for Forest’s crucial run-in.

"It was a game of two halves," admitted Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "We controlled the first half. Second half, Palace reacted well. The draw was fair, but we have to respond better with so much on the line."

The result leaves Forest sixth in the table with 61 points from 35 games — two points adrift of fifth-placed Chelsea and the final Champions League qualification slot. With just three games remaining, the pressure is mounting.

Palace, meanwhile, edged closer to their club record Premier League points tally of 49 — they now sit on 46. Eze nearly snatched a late winner when his stunning 30-yard strike rattled the crossbar, and a goal from substitute Eddie Nketiah was chalked off for offside.

"We thought we could win it," said Eze. "But it’s still a good performance, and we’ll take the point."

For Forest, though, dropped points could prove costly in what’s turning into a nail-biting finish to the season.