Palace Falter, Forest Rise in Europe

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

November, 28 2025 - Crystal Palace suffered a setback in Europe while Nottingham Forest continued to shine on the continental stage, with both clubs experiencing contrasting fortunes in separate fixtures this week.

Palace’s Conference League disappointment came amid Forest’s impressive Europa League surge, underlining two very different trajectories for the English sides.

Crystal Palace’s Conference League campaign hit turbulence after a damaging defeat away to Strasbourg. This result halted the momentum they had built in the early part of the league phase. Having been well placed to push for a top-eight finish in the new league-format group stage, Palace’s loss exposes defensive frailties and leaves them with little margin for error in their remaining fixtures.

Off the pitch, the night was further marred by reports of disorder involving sections of the travelling support, with French riot police escorting Palace fans to the Stade de la Meinau following clashes in the city. The combination of crowd trouble and an underwhelming display on the field has turned what was a promising campaign into a potentially nervy run-in.

While Palace stumbled, Nottingham Forest extended an eye-catching European run with a dominant 3-0 home win over Malmö in the Europa League. Goals from captain Ryan Yates, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Nikola Milenković capped a commanding performance that showcased Forest’s growing confidence under Sean Dyche.

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The result continued Forest’s sequence of strong continental displays, following earlier positive results against Porto and Sturm Graz, and lifted them into a position where progression to at least the knockout play-off places looks increasingly realistic. Forest’s defensive solidity and clinical finishing have turned the City Ground into a daunting European venue, backing their status as one of the competition’s form sides.

Palace, still adjusting to the demands of European football alongside their domestic schedule, now face intense pressure in their remaining Conference League fixtures as they try to stabilise both performances and off-field issues.

Forest, meanwhile, has used their Europa League campaign as a springboard, with their strong league-phase form increasing optimism that this European adventure could extend deep into the spring.