Crystal Palace defeated Nottingham Forest 3-1 on Sunday, spoiling Oliver Glasner's first return to Selhurst Park since his summer exit. The Austrian, who led Palace to FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League trophies, received a warm reception from the home fans before the match.
Dan Ndoye opened the scoring in the third minute for Forest, but Daichi Kamada levelled with his first Premier League goal in the 41st minute. Jefferson Lerma put Palace ahead in first-half stoppage time, and Yeremy Pino added a third just before the hour mark.
Dominant Forest Miss Chances
The opening goal came from a poor Palace error, as Anan Khalaili's header intended for goalkeeper Walter Benitez was easily intercepted. Ndoye accepted the gift and fired into the far corner, giving Benitez no chance. Benitez was again in goal for Palace, filling in for injured captain Dean Henderson.
Forest dominated much of the first half but failed to capitalise. Jorgen Strand Larsen drew a save from Matz Sels, Quinten Timber failed to control an effort, and Ndoye headed over from close range. Morgan Gibbs-White struck the underside of the crossbar with 10 minutes remaining in the half, and Liam Delap was denied on the rebound by Benitez.
Palace Fight Back
The visitors' wasted chances proved costly when Kamada equalised after good link-up play. Strand Larsen picked out Timber, who found Kamada with a backheel to slot in the leveller, confirmed by a VAR check.
An unmarked Tyrick Mitchell nearly put the hosts ahead in added time, but Sels tipped his effort over. Lerma then gave Palace the lead from a corner, planting the ball through a crowd between the legs of the Forest keeper after a scramble from Adam Wharton's cross.
Pino Seals Victory
Ndoye missed another chance before the break, and Forest were made to pay when Pino extended Palace's lead in the 59th minute. Sels had saved a Strand Larsen effort moments before, and the ball fell favourably for the Spain international, who prodded it home. The goal was upheld by VAR.
Benitez produced another fine save late on to deny Chris Wood any chance of a Forest comeback. It was a first home Premier League victory for Palace boss Pierre Sage, appointed following Glasner's summer exit. Glasner's decision to join Forest came amid tension between the clubs, sparked by the legal fallout from Palace's demotion to the Conference League before the 2025-26 season. Returning right-back Daniel Munoz was also greeted warmly, though a "you're getting sacked in the morning" chant was heard minutes before the final whistle.
