Nottingham Forest were "not comfortable" during their late defeat by Everton and must "bounce back" if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season, says manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Forest's remarkable season means they remain third in the Premier League but they are now nervously looking over their shoulders with six games remaining.
Abdoulaye Doucoure's 94th-minute winner at the City Ground made it back-to-back defeats at the wrong time in the campaign as they aim to compete in Europe's elite club competition for the first time in over 40 years.
"The performance was not good," Nuno told Match of the Day. "The last minute of the game, from an offensive corner we conceded so we are disappointed but in terms of the game, we were not good. Everton were dominant.
"We cannot get away from the decisive moment in the season. We were not comfortable and the fans also saw we were struggling. You cannot get away form that. We want to try and give it a go."
Forest have done 'unbelievably well'
When Forest lost at Everton a year ago they were just one point above the drop zone, but managed to stave off relegation.
Few could have predicted their achievements this season in reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup and challenging for the Champions League but they are now in danger of slipping down the table.
Their final six games are tough prospects with the likes of Manchester City, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea on the final day, all still to come.
Former England defender Stephen Warnock said on Final Score: "It would be heartbreaking for Forest to miss out on Champions League football at this point given all the work they have put into the season.
"They have to go back into the dressing room now and say, 'Ok, bad day at the office. Let's go again and re-group.' We've seen them bounce back from adversity at times already this season, so it is not the end of the day."
Saturday's defeat was just their third at the City Ground all campaign and Doucoure's late strike ended a run of 449 minutes without conceding at home.
Everton boss David Moyes added: "Forest have done remarkably well but if you would have given them Europe, they would have snapped your hand off for that. It is incredible what they have done and we have to wait and see if they can get over the line for the Champions League."
Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi said to Sky Sports: "It is in our hands to make sure we stay in the position we are in. Football is cruel and it is tough to put into words. We have to move on from it now."
