The Argentina international produced a remarkable reflex stop when Forest threatened to establish a two-goal advantage, keeping Palace in the contest before Daichi Kamada, Jefferson Lerma and Yéremy Pino completed the turnaround.
Nottingham Forest had enjoyed long periods of the first half and created several opportunities to extend their lead. Morgan Gibbs-White struck the underside of the crossbar, leaving Delap with what appeared to be a straightforward chance to score from close range.
Benítez, however, somehow recovered his position in time to prevent the striker from finding the net. The save proved decisive, denying Forest a potentially commanding advantage and giving Palace the opportunity to respond.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Benítez explained that the speed of the incident had left him struggling to recall precisely how he had managed to make the stop.
“I can't remember too much because the ball was so fast, so close,” he said.
“But I tried to do my best, help the team, and I tried to keep my whole body behind the ball.
“I hoped I’d save it. I'm happy for this and for the win, of course.”
The goalkeeper's contribution was particularly important given the way the match had unfolded. Forest took an early lead through Dan Ndoye and continued to threaten Crystal Palace's defence, but Benítez ensured his team remained within reach of their opponents.
Palace capitalised before half-time when Kamada equalised, with Lerma putting the hosts ahead in stoppage time. Pino then added a third after the interval to complete a comeback that had seemed unlikely during Forest's strongest spell.
Benítez was pleased with the way Palace improved after the break, highlighting their attacking intent and determination to keep pressing for goals.
“I think we played a good game, especially the second-half, and we created more chances,” he said.
“And yes, we pushed most of the time as possible to score more goals, and this is the most important thing today.”
The victory offered encouragement for Palace manager Pierre Sage, who acknowledged that his side had struggled against Forest's approach. He also identified Benítez's intervention as a defining moment, explaining that preventing the visitors from going 2-0 ahead allowed Palace to remain in the game.
For Benítez, the save was another demonstration of the importance of goalkeeping at critical moments. Forest's missed opportunities ultimately proved costly, while Palace made the most of their second-half improvement.
The Argentine's reaction stop will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the contest, helping turn a difficult afternoon into a valuable victory for the Eagles.