Nottingham Forest held on for a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace to keep Champions League qualification in their own hands despite losing more ground on the top five.
Forest’s stunning season is at risk of fizzling out, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now two points outside the top five with three games to go, after claiming just four points from their last five league games.
Palace took the lead after an hour through Eberechi Eze’s penalty, but there was a swift response from Forest as Murillo’s deft flick steered in Neco Williams’ shot four minutes later.
It was set up for Forest to chase a winner, which would have brought them level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle, but it was Palace that looked most likely as Eze struck the bar and substitute Eddie Nketiah came close to scoring.
Forest lost their way after Murillo was forced off with a serious-looking injury as they limped over the finish line to stay within two points of fifth-placed Chelsea, who they face at home on the final day of the season.
Palace suffered an injury blow of their own in their second half, with midfielder Adam Wharton taken off shortly after their opener, which will be a concern ahead of the FA Cup final against Man City later this month.
Story of the match in stats
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