Forest’s top-five hopes take a hit after frustrating draw with Palace

Nottingham Forest’s bid to qualify for the Champions League suffered a setback as they were held to a damaging 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side needed a victory to keep pace with their top five rivals.

But Eberechi Eze’s second-half penalty put Palace ahead and, although Murillo equalised soon afterwards, Forest left south London outside the Champions League places.

Sixth-placed Forest’s attempt to appear in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 1980-81 is now out of their hands.

They sit two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and fourth-placed Newcastle, with third-placed Manchester City three points ahead of Forest.

Forest have three games left, with winnable fixtures against Leicester and West Ham before what could be on a final-day shootout against Chelsea.

“We were in control of the game. We created and dominated a lot. Second half was different. Good reaction but Palace created problems,” Nuno said.

“Palace are really dangerous if they have the shape. It’s important not to allow too much counter-attacks. We were positive but it’s not easy to play at Selhurst Park.

“We have to do our job at the City Ground. We play Leicester and it will to be tough. It’s for sure going to be like that all the way.”

Nuno’s team were without injured winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who instead joined the away fans in one corner of Selhurst Park.

FA Cup finalists Palace dominated the early stages, with some eye-catching interplay between Eze and Adam Wharton in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Agence France-Presse