Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest played out a 1-1 draw in a match that had been dubbed the “battle of the boardrooms,” reflecting off-field tensions over their European football eligibility this season.
Palace took the lead in the first half through Ismaïla Sarr, but Callum Hudson-Odoi equalized for Forest in the second period.
The fixture came amid controversy, as Forest replaced Palace in the Europa League after the London club was found to have breached UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Drama also surrounded the Forest bench, with reports suggesting manager Nuno Espirito Santo had fallen out of favour with owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Asked before kick-off whether his remarks that the pair are “not as close” could be interpreted as him seeking a way out, Nuno told Sky Sports, “That is nonsense. That does not make any kind of sense. The state is that we are focused on the game, that is more important. We have to make sure the players are ready to play, because this game is going to be very tough.”
On whether he wishes to continue in his role, the Forest boss said: “Of course. Of course.”
