Nottingham Forest Refuse to Give Up on Champions League Hopes with Draw against Crystal Palace
In a thrilling Premier League encounter, Nottingham Forest secured a hard-fought draw against Crystal Palace, keeping their Champions League aspirations alive. The match, which ended 1-1, was marked by a spirited performance from Forest, who have defied expectations to remain in contention for a top-five finish.
According to a report by The Guardian, Forest’s impressive display was capped off by an instinctive equaliser from Murillo, which could prove crucial in their pursuit of a Champions League spot. The team, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, has undergone a remarkable transformation since his appointment, with a renewed sense of spirit and determination.
As noted by The Guardian, Forest’s chances of finishing in the top five were boosted by results elsewhere, with the team still having a fighting chance with three matches remaining. "We are pushing the players – not only physically, but mentally – for this big fight we are in," said Nuno, as quoted by The Guardian. "Character, confidence and controlling anxiety – all these aspects will be very important."
The match against Crystal Palace was never going to be easy, with the home team refreshed after a four-day break following their FA Cup semi-final appearance. The Guardian reported that Palace manager Oliver Glasner had named the same side that defeated Aston Villa, with the team’s chairman, Steve Parish, and potential investor, Woody Johnson, in attendance.
Despite a strong performance, Palace were unable to secure the win, with Adam Wharton forced off injured, which could be a concern ahead of their FA Cup final appearance. The Guardian cited Glasner’s post-match comments, "I hope it’s not that serious… I spoke to him and he’s a little bit sore because he twisted his ankle but hopefully it will be OK."
Forest’s recent dip in form has been attributed to a lack of squad depth, but The Guardian noted that the team has shown resilience in the face of adversity. The match against Palace was a testament to this, with Murillo’s equaliser cancelling out Eberechi Eze’s penalty.
As reported by The Guardian, Eze had a chance to win the game for Palace in injury time, but his shot struck the crossbar, allowing Forest to hold on for a draw. The result keeps Forest in contention for a Champions League spot, with a trip to Chelsea on the final day potentially deciding their fate.
In the aftermath of the match, The Guardian quoted Nuno’s comments on the team’s character and determination, highlighting their refusal to give up on their Champions League hopes. With a local derby against Leicester and a trip to West Ham still to come, Forest will look to build on this draw and push for a top-five finish.
The draw against Crystal Palace was a significant result for Forest, who have consistently demonstrated their spirit and determination under Nuno’s management. As noted by The Guardian, this result keeps their Champions League aspirations alive, and they will look to build on this momentum in the coming weeks.
The Guardian: Nottingham Forest aren’t finished just yet
