Crystal Palace produced an impressive comeback to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday, October 11, 2026, recovering from an early setback to secure their first home league victory of the season at Selhurst Park.
Dan Ndoye gave Nottingham Forest the lead inside three minutes, but Crystal Palace responded through Daichi Kamada in the 41st minute before Jefferson Lerma put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time. Yéremy Pino completed the turnaround in the 59th minute, finishing a rebound to give Palace a two-goal advantage.
The victory was particularly significant because it came against Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner, who returned to Selhurst Park for the first time since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the previous season.
Glasner had enjoyed considerable success during his time with the Eagles, including their memorable FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in 2025 and their European success. However, his return ended in disappointment as Palace recovered from a difficult opening spell to claim all three points.
Ndoye Gives Nottingham Forest an Early Lead
Nottingham Forest struck first in the third minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake by Crystal Palace. Anan Khalaili attempted a weak headed pass back towards his goalkeeper, but Ndoye anticipated the loose ball and raced through on goal.
The Forest forward showed excellent composure as he advanced towards Walter Benítez before placing a finish beyond the advancing Crystal Palace goalkeeper. The early goal rewarded Forest’s aggressive start and immediately put pressure on the home side.
Palace attempted to respond quickly, with Kamada delivering a dangerous cross towards Jørgen Strand Larsen in the seventh minute. The Norwegian striker forced Matz Sels into an excellent save, and the Forest goalkeeper reacted again to prevent him from converting the rebound.
Despite Palace’s attempts to regain control, Forest continued to threaten. Ndoye nearly doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 21st minute when he connected with a header inside the penalty area, but Benítez produced an important save to tip the effort over the crossbar.
Daniel Muñoz subsequently missed an opportunity to increase Forest’s lead after meeting a cross from Neco Williams at the far post. His half-volley failed to find the target as the visitors continued to exploit gaps in Palace’s defence.
Benítez Keeps Palace in the Contest
One of the most important moments of the first half arrived in the 35th minute when Benítez produced an outstanding save to prevent Forest from extending their advantage.
Morgan Gibbs-White unleashed an effort from distance that struck the underside of the crossbar and rebounded into the penalty area. Liam Delap reacted quickly and attempted to finish from close range, but Benítez recovered remarkably well to block the powerful effort with his chest.
The save prevented Forest from taking a potentially decisive two-goal lead and gave Palace an opportunity to regroup.
Forest had enjoyed the better chances during much of the opening period, but their failure to convert those opportunities would prove costly as Palace found their rhythm towards half-time.
Kamada Equalises in the 41st Minute
Crystal Palace restored parity in the 41st minute through Kamada, who finished a well-constructed attacking move to register his first Premier League goal.
The move began with Kamada helping to initiate a quick passing combination involving Adam Wharton, Quinten Timber and Strand Larsen. Palace moved the ball through Forest’s defensive lines before Strand Larsen attempted to square it towards Timber inside the penalty area.
The pass took an unexpected deflection and fell into Kamada’s path. The Japanese midfielder reacted quickly, lifting the ball delicately over the advancing Sels and into the net to make it 1-1.
The goal changed the atmosphere at Selhurst Park and gave Palace renewed confidence after a difficult opening 40 minutes. Kamada’s awareness and composure proved decisive, while the combination play involving Timber and Strand Larsen helped create the opening.
Lerma Completes Palace’s First-Half Comeback in the 45+4th Minute
Palace completed their turnaround in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time when Lerma headed home from a corner delivered by Wharton.
The goal followed another important intervention from Sels, who tipped Tyrick Mitchell’s dipping volley over the crossbar. From the resulting corner, Wharton delivered an inviting ball into the penalty area, where Lerma rose above the Forest defence to direct a header towards goal.
The ball squeezed through Sels’ legs and crossed the line, giving Palace a 2-1 advantage just before the interval.
The goal was particularly damaging for Forest because the visitors had created several opportunities to extend their lead earlier in the half. Instead, Palace went into the break ahead after scoring twice in the closing stages.
Ndoye nearly restored parity before half-time, but his effort from a promising position failed to find the net as Forest missed another opportunity.
Forest Hit the Post Before Pino Extends Palace’s Lead
Nottingham Forest resumed the second half determined to get back into the contest and came close to equalising in the 49th minute.
Gibbs-White directed a header towards goal, but the effort took a deflection off Palace defender Jaydee Canvot before striking the post. Benítez remained alert as Palace survived another dangerous moment.
Gibbs-White subsequently missed another opportunity after receiving a cross from Williams, sending his effort wide when he had space to trouble the goalkeeper.
Forest’s inability to convert their chances allowed Palace to increase their advantage.
Pino Makes It 3-1 in the 59th Minute
Crystal Palace scored their third goal in the 59th minute after a quick attacking move exposed Forest’s defensive vulnerability.
Timber attempted to release Pino with a forward pass, but the ball was diverted and reached Strand Larsen inside the penalty area. The Norwegian striker attempted to finish, forcing Sels into a save, but the goalkeeper could not hold the ball securely enough to prevent a rebound.
Pino reacted fastest, controlled the loose ball and calmly guided it beyond the covering defender and into the net to make it 3-1.
The goal rewarded Palace’s clinical approach and gave the hosts a valuable two-goal cushion. Timber helped initiate the attack, while Strand Larsen’s effort forced the save that allowed Pino to capitalise on the rebound.
For Pino, the strike also ended a run of 19 Premier League appearances without a goal, providing a timely boost to his confidence.
Benítez Denies Forest Again as Palace Protect Their Advantage
Forest continued searching for a way back into the match, but Benítez remained a major obstacle.
The Palace goalkeeper produced another important save in the closing stages to deny Chris Wood from close range, preserving his side’s two-goal advantage.
Palace also threatened to score a fourth goal as Forest pushed forward in search of a late breakthrough. Chris Richards came close with a header from a Wharton corner in stoppage time, but his effort went wide.
Despite Forest enjoying spells of possession and creating numerous opportunities, Palace demonstrated greater efficiency in front of goal. The hosts managed the closing stages effectively to secure a deserved victory.
The result lifted Crystal Palace to 12th place in the Premier League table with seven points from six matches, while Nottingham Forest dropped to 14th with five points.
For Palace manager Pierre Sage, the victory represented an important step forward after a difficult start to the campaign. His side showed resilience in recovering from an early deficit and took advantage of their opportunities when they arrived.
Forest, meanwhile, will regret failing to convert several promising chances, particularly during the first half when they could have established a more commanding lead.
The defeat also made Glasner’s return to Selhurst Park a disappointing occasion despite the warm reception he received before kick-off.
Ultimately, Palace’s comeback was built on Benítez’s outstanding goalkeeping, Kamada’s equaliser, Lerma’s crucial set-piece finish and Pino’s decisive contribution after the break.
Final Score: Crystal Palace 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Goals:
Dan Ndoye, 3rd minute, Nottingham Forest.
Daichi Kamada, 41st minute, Crystal Palace.
Jefferson Lerma, 45+4th minute, Crystal Palace.
Yéremy Pino, 59th minute, Crystal Palace.
Assist and Goal Build-up:
Ndoye: Capitalised on Anan Khalaili’s misplaced headed pass before finishing past Benítez.
Kamada: Finished a flowing team move involving Timber and Strand Larsen after the ball broke into his path.
Lerma: Headed home from Adam Wharton’s corner.
Pino: Scored from the rebound after Sels saved Strand Larsen’s effort.
