Oliver Glasner's first trip back to Selhurst Park since departing Crystal Palace proved to be a painful experience, as his Nottingham Forest side were beaten 3-1 by the Eagles in a dramatic Premier League encounter.
The Austrian coach, who guided Palace to significant success during his time at the club before moving on to take charge of Forest, would have hoped for a different outcome on his return to familiar territory. Instead, he watched his new side surrender an early advantage as the home crowd roared Palace on to victory.
Forest made the brighter start and took the lead, giving Glasner's players and travelling supporters hope of spoiling the occasion for the hosts. However, Crystal Palace responded with a spirited performance, turning the game on its head to secure all three points in front of their own fans.
The Eagles found the net three times as they overturned the deficit, with the result ensuring that Glasner's homecoming will be remembered more for the manner of the collapse than any sentimental reunion with his former club. Selhurst Park, so often a stronghold during his tenure, once again proved difficult for the visiting side to leave with anything to show for their efforts.
For Crystal Palace, the victory represents another step forward under their current setup, building on the foundations that were in part laid during Glasner's successful spell in charge. The Eagles' ability to fight back after conceding first will be a particularly pleasing aspect for those inside Selhurst Park, demonstrating resilience and quality in front of goal when it mattered most.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have let slip their early lead, particularly given the context of the fixture and Glasner's personal connection to the opposition. The manner of the defeat, conceding three unanswered goals after taking the lead, will raise questions about defensive solidity and game management under their new manager.
The result leaves Glasner with plenty to reflect on as he continues his project at the City Ground. While the circumstances of the match added an extra layer of narrative, the Austrian will be more concerned with the bigger picture of implementing his style of play and philosophy at Forest, something that will take time regardless of the emotional weight of fixtures against his old side.
For Palace, meanwhile, the win continues to showcase the strength in depth and quality they have retained and built upon since Glasner's exit, with the Eagles showing they can cope with going behind and still find a way to dominate proceedings against a team managed by someone who knows their setup intimately.
Both clubs will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, with Forest needing to quickly address the defensive frailties exposed at Selhurst Park, while Crystal Palace will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their own campaign in the Premier League.
The emotional subplot of Glasner's return added spice to what was already a notable Premier League fixture, but ultimately it was Crystal Palace who emerged with the bragging rights, sending their former manager back to Nottingham with a defeat to digest.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.