AliousNottingham Forest’s Champions League Dream Still Burning: What Needs to Happen in Final Three Games
The Champions League dream is still flickering for Nottingham Forest, and Monday night’s gritty draw with Crystal Palace proved they’re far from done. Despite being held to a 1-1 stalemate at Selhurst Park, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men showed resilience, heart, and a renewed sense of purpose as the race for a European spot heads into its dramatic final stretch.
Forest Show Their Mettle Under Pressure
Forest’s performance was one marked by grit and determination. Down 1-0 after Eberechi Eze’s penalty, they could have folded under the pressure—but instead, they bit back. Murillo’s equaliser just four minutes later showcased the fighting spirit Nuno has been demanding. The Portuguese boss hammered home the word “character” in his post-match comments, and it was on full display.
Though results have been mixed in recent weeks, Forest’s refusal to roll over—especially away from home under pressure—suggests they’re not just clinging to hope, but still very much in the fight. Three games remain, and if this level of resolve holds, they’ll be no easy side to dismiss.
**Midfield Reinforcements Provide a Timely Boost**
One of the night’s bright sparks was the return of Ibrahim Sangaré to the starting XI. Making his first league start since August, the Ivorian midfielder offered control and composure alongside the ever-reliable Elliot Anderson. Injuries derailed Sangaré’s season, but his display against Palace could not have come at a better time.
Nuno’s midfield options are finally opening up, with Danilo, Ryan Yates, and Nicolas Dominguez all offering different skill sets. The depth could be key in the final stretch, especially with energy levels visibly waning across the squad.
**Injuries Continue to Cloud the Final Run**
The injury list remains a concern. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s absence was felt on Monday, as Forest lacked natural width and creative spark in attack. He’s ruled out for the next game against Leicester City, but the hope remains he’ll feature again before the season ends.
Meanwhile, Murillo, who netted the vital equaliser, was forced off late in the match holding his hamstring. Nuno confirmed he’ll be assessed, but early signs—including Jamie Carragher’s sideline observation—suggest the injury may not be serious.
**Crunch Time: Three Matches to Define the Season**
Forest now sit sixth in the Premier League, just two points adrift of Chelsea and Newcastle. Their next two matches—against Leicester and West Ham—are must-win affairs if they’re to remain in the hunt. Then comes a potential season-defining clash with Chelsea on the final day.
Nuno has been open about the toll this campaign has taken on his squad, both mentally and physically. But against Palace, they showed there’s still fuel left in the tank.
“It is not only character, we are going to need legs, we are going to need energy, we are going to need some luck,” Nuno stressed. And with just three games left, Forest will need every ounce of all three.
The Champions League dream isn’t just alive—it’s within reach. But there’s no more room for error. The fight is on, and Forest are right in the thick of it.
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