Callum Hudson-Odoi cancelled out Ismaila Sarr's volley to rescue Nottingham Forest a point against Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
With boardroom tension in the air palpable given the context between the two sides, Forest entered a cauldron of noise in south London.
Palace fans in attendance used a period before the game to make their opinions of both UEFA and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis known after the role the Midlands club played in their demotion to the Conference League despite their FA Cup win securing Europa League football.
The energy took a while to bleed into proceedings on the pitch, given that Crystal Palace had to negotiate a win in the Premier League for the first time since losing star man Eberechi Eze who completed a move to Arsenal a day prior.
For Forest, focus appeared difficult to find amid ongoing tensions between boss Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Marinakis.
On Friday, Nuno admitted the relationship between the two had changed in response to rumours of his potential departure. However, before the game, Nuno told Sky he would hold talks with Marinakis over his future at the club.
When Morgan Gibbs-White's attempt at a chop was seized upon before Daniel Munoz's cross was fired home by Sarr, those conversations will have begun with the awkward undercurrent of a defeat.
However, a tactical switch from Nuno after the break that saw Dan Ndoye and Hudson-Odoi switch paid dividends as the pair combined for the equaliser, paving the way for more palatable talks.
A draw nearly turned into a win when new signing Igor Jesus struck the upright in added time. However, Forest's nerves will have been tested as VAR checked for illegal contact with Sarr as he went down in the box after contact from Murillo. VAR deemed there to be no foul play and the spoils were shared.
More to follow.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi levels for Nottingham Forest at Crystal Palace with a fine finish
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Ismaila Sarr volleys Crystal Palace into a first-half lead against Nottingham Forest
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