Ola Aina returned to action for Nottingham Forest, but the Nigerian could only help his side pick up a point in the PL clash away at Crystal Palace, on Monday.
The result further dents Forest’s hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.
The Reds fell behind just before the hour mark when Eberechi Eze converted a penalty after a foul by goalkeeper Matz Sels on Tyrick Mitchell.
It was a blow for Forest, who have recently struggled to maintain the form that once had them sitting comfortably in third place.
However, the visitors found a response just five minutes later. A shot from Neco Williams took a deflection and appeared to be heading off-target, but defender Murillo reacted instinctively, redirecting the ball into the net to level the score in the 64th minute.
Unfortunately, Murillo was later forced off with an injury, adding to Forest’s concerns as the season enters its final stretch.
Ola Aina, returning to the starting lineup for the first time since his injury layoff, played the full 90 minutes and looked solid at right back.
He picked up a yellow card in the 82nd minute but otherwise appeared comfortable throughout the match, suggesting his injury woes may now be behind him.
After the game, Aina reflected on the result in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, describing the draw as a valuable point on the road.
“I think it’s a good point away from home. Tough to come here, they are a good side,” said the Super Eagles defender. “And you know, with the level that we hit recently, a point is a good result.”
Forest have now picked up just four points from a possible fifteen and dropped to sixth on the table. Still, Aina remains optimistic about a turnaround.
“It just happens. This is football, sometimes it just doesn’t go your way. Unfortunately for us, it hasn’t gone our way recently but the hard work continues and we try to get three points every game but we couldn’t get that today.”
Nottingham Forest will hope to bounce back when they face already-relegated Leicester City at home, while fellow top-four rivals Chelsea and Newcastle square off in a potentially decisive clash.
