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Fortunate goal from Murillo helps Forest earn a valuable point in pursuit of European qualification

Fortunate goal from Murillo helps Forest earn a valuable point in pursuit of European qualification

Nottingham Forest earned another point in their attempt to qualify for Europe as Murillo's fortunate goal secured a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Murillo may not have been aware of his goal as he deflected a shot by Neco Williams into the goal, but it could be crucial as the season progresses.

Forest's aspirations for a top-five finish may no longer be entirely under their control, but with some winnable matches against Leicester and West Ham on the horizon, attention may turn to a potential final-day showdown with Chelsea for a Champions League place.

Crystal Palace, playing their first game since reaching the FA Cup final by beating Aston Villa, took the lead through a penalty converted by Eberechi Eze.

Forest, who experienced disappointment at Wembley against Manchester City, were missing the injured Callum Hudson-Odoi, who watched the game from the stands among the away supporters.

The Eagles started strongly, with impressive teamwork between Eze and Adam Wharton in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.

The first opportunity came when Tyrick Mitchell crossed the ball into the box for fellow full-back Daniel Munoz, whose volley was saved by Matz Sels.

Forest gradually grew into the game, and Elliot Anderson almost scored from a deep cross by Nicolas Dominguez, with Chris Wood appealing for a foul as he went for the ball.

They came close to scoring just before half-time with a swift counter-attack involving Dominguez and Wood, who set up Anthony Elanga, but his shot was saved by Henderson.

The second half started frantically, with Ismaila Sarr heading wide from Munoz's cross, and Henderson making a crucial block to deny Sarr again.

Forest quickly launched a counter-attack, and Wood's shot was blocked by Maxence Lacroix's thigh as it rolled narrowly wide.

However, it was Palace who took the lead on the hour mark after Mitchell was brought down in the box by Dominguez and Selz.

Initially not awarding a penalty, referee Andy Madley changed his decision after reviewing the incident, booking Selz and allowing Eze to score from the spot.

Wharton, who had been influential, suffered an ankle injury and was substituted, with manager Oliver Glasner not taking any risks 12 days before the Wembley final against City.

Henderson then made a remarkable save to deny Elanga's free-kick, but Forest equalized in the 64th minute when Murillo redirected Williams' shot past Henderson.

In the closing stages, Forest were fortunate as Eze struck the crossbar with a curling effort and substitute Eddie Nketiah had a goal disallowed for offside.