Pino Seals Nottingham Forest Win as Glasner Returns to Crystal Palace 2026

In a dramatic Premier League encounter, Yeremy Pino sealed a 2-1 victory for Nottingham Forest, spoiling Oliver Glasner's return to Crystal Palace. The match, filled with irony and late twists, saw Forest come from behind to secure all three points at Selhurst Park.

The narrative was set early: Glasner, now Forest head coach, received a warm welcome from Palace fans who once adored him. Yet his team's performance mirrored the unpredictability of the Premier League, as they squandered a lead and succumbed to a resilient Palace side inspired by goalkeeper Walter Benítez.

Match Overview: Forest vs Palace

Nottingham Forest started brightly, taking the lead in the third minute through Dan Ndoye, who capitalised on a defensive error. However, Palace grew into the game, equalising through Daichi Kamada—a player Glasner knew well from their Eintracht Frankfurt days. Jefferson Lerma then put Palace ahead just before half-time, bundling home from a corner.

The second half saw Forest push for an equaliser, but Benítez stood firm, making several crucial saves. As the game wore on, it seemed Palace would hold on, but Yeremy Pino had other ideas. The Spanish winger, on loan from Villarreal, struck in the 78th minute to snatch victory for Forest.

Key Moments and Analysis

The match was a tale of two halves. Forest dominated the opening exchanges, but Palace's resilience and Benítez's heroics turned the tide. Kamada's equaliser was a moment of poetic justice, highlighting Glasner's past connections. Lerma's goal showcased Palace's threat from set-pieces, an area Forest struggled to defend.

Pino's winner was a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside from the left and curling a shot into the far corner. It was a bitter pill for Palace, who had fought so hard.

Statistical Comparison

Key Takeaways

• Glasner's return was marked by a mixed reception and a disappointing result.
• Walter Benítez was instrumental for Palace, making several key saves.
• Yeremy Pino proved to be the difference-maker with a stunning late goal.
• Forest's defensive frailties from set-pieces were exposed again.
• The win boosts Forest's hopes for a top-half finish, while Palace remain in mid-table.

FAQ

Ultimately, Pino's late strike sealed a memorable win for Nottingham Forest, leaving Glasner to ponder what might have been on his return to Selhurst Park.