Dango Ouattara’s dramatic brace kept the Bees’ continental dreams alive, forcing a frantic draw against the Eagles to maintain eighth place ahead of a high-stakes final-day trip to Liverpool.
Brentford’s European hopes remain alive heading into the final day after Dango Ouattara rescued a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Keith Andrews’ side knew victory would strengthen their grip on eighth place after Manchester City’s FA Cup win opened the door for that position to secure European football. Instead, Brentford had to settle for a point, leaving the final-day trip to Liverpool with even more riding on it.
Palace struck first after Caoimhin Kelleher was penalised following a VAR check, with Ismaïla Sarr converting from the spot to put the visitors ahead. It was an early setback for Brentford, who had to chase the game against a Palace side capable of carrying threat on the break.
The Eagles had chances to build on their lead, with Sarr and Jorgen Strand Larsen both hitting the woodwork in a difficult first half for the Bees. Brentford needed a response, and they eventually found a way back into the contest before the break.
Ouattara was involved in unusual fashion for the equaliser, with a defensive header rebounding off him and into the net. It brought Brentford level and gave Andrews’ side a platform to attack the second half with more belief.
That momentum did not last long after the restart. Palace regained the lead when Adam Wharton struck from distance, scoring his first Premier League goal and leaving Brentford with work to do again.
The timing of the goal hurt the Bees, but they kept pushing. With Europe still within reach, Brentford could not afford to let the game drift away, and their pressure eventually told late on.
Ouattara came up with the decisive moment, heading in after Sepp van den Berg flicked on Michael Kayode’s long throw. It was a huge goal in the context of Brentford’s season, turning defeat into a point and keeping them in control of eighth place for now.
The draw moves Brentford onto 52 points from 37 games and keeps them eighth, which could be enough for Conference League qualification after Manchester City’s FA Cup win. But the race remains tight heading into the final week.
Brighton’s defeat at Leeds was helpful for Brentford, with the Seagulls now only one point ahead in seventh on 53. Bournemouth are still sixth on 55 points, three points clear of the Bees, meaning Brentford are still applying pressure to those above them ahead of going to Anfield on the final day.
The danger now comes from behind. Sunderland’s win at Everton moved them to 51 points, just one behind Brentford. Chelsea are three points back on 49 and still have a game in hand against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. If Chelsea win that match, they would move level with Brentford on points and above them on goal difference before the final round of fixtures.
It means the Bees now need Tottenham to take points off Chelsea to ensure they remain eighth going into the final day. Everton are also on 49 points but have played 37 games, leaving them three behind Brentford with one match remaining.
For Andrews’ side, the equation will become clearer after Chelsea face Spurs. But regardless of that result, Brentford will go to Liverpool with everything still to play for, and it is hardly a kind final-day assignment.
The draw against Palace was not the result they wanted, but Ouattara’s late equaliser could still prove vital if the Bees can finish the job on the final day.