rewrite this title Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest: Murillo equaliser keeps Nuno’s side in the Champions League race

Nottingham Forest came from behind to earn a point at Crystal Palace that maintains their challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League.

The visitors fell behind to Eberechi Eze’s penalty on the hour mark but Murillo’s clever flick shortly after saw the visitors claim a share of the spoils despite some late Palace pressure that failed to result in a winner.

The stalemate sees Forest stay in sixth place, two points behind Newcastle and Chelsea.

It ends level in South London. ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/4Ylm8uIn6v

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 5, 2025

First half short on quality

There was plenty of enterprise in the early stages but precious little goalmouth action.

Palace were almost the architects of their own downfall after 17 minutes with Tyrick Mitchell and Dean Henderson getting in a muddle and the goalkeeper having to use his feet to divert the ball to a position from which Maxence Lacroix could complete the clearance.

Mitchell nearly redeemed himself after 35 minutes with a run down the left and cross that picked out Daniel Munoz. The Colombian fired in a volley that was well saved low down by Matz Sels.

Forest, as is now customary, were content to sit in and play on the counter but it was a tactic that nearly reaped its rewards a minute before half-time. A swift break from Nicolas Dominguez and a clever flick from Chris Wood enabled Anthony Elanga to find space in the Palace area but his shot was well saved by Henderson.

The race for Champions League places as it stands 👀 pic.twitter.com/NcvguLbbhM

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 5, 2025

Second half sparks into life

The game burst into life five minutes after the restart with both sides having a chance within the space of 60 seconds.

Neat play from Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Ismaila Sarr the chance to go through on goal but Sels was out quickly to block his effort. 

Forest cleared and Ola Aina carried the ball 70 yards before playing in Wood but the striker’s effort clipped the heel of Lacroix and flashed wide.

The deadlock was finally broken after 60 minutes when Mitchell skipped round Sels before being brought down. Referee Andy Madley waved away the appeals but VAR stepped in and awarded the spot kick which Eze converted with his customary cool.

Palace’s lead lasted just four minutes as Forest hit back. Palace could only partially clear a corner and Murillo was on hand to divert Nico Williams’ shot past Henderson.

Palace pushed for a winner but found their luck was out as, first, Eze fired a brilliant effort against the bar before the England midfielder’s shot was turned in by substitute Eddie Nketiah only for the offside flag to go up.