Leeds United 1-1 Brentford: Bees Held After Schade Stunner

Brentford continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Kevin Schade produced a superb finish to give the Bees a first-half lead, but Keith Andrews’ side were unable to hold on for all three points as Leeds found a way back into the game after the break.

Andrews made several changes from the team that beat Birmingham City 6-1 in the Carabao Cup, with Caoimhín Kelleher, Michael Kayode, Kristoffer Ajer, Keane Lewis-Potter, Mamadou Sangaré and Igor Thiago among those returning to the starting XI.

Brentford lined up with Kelleher in goal behind Kayode, Ajer, Nathan Collins and Lewis-Potter. Sangaré and Vitaly Janelt started in midfield, with Schade, Mikkel Damsgaard and Jaidon Anthony supporting Thiago.

The Bees almost made the perfect start.

Inside the opening minute, Schade found space in the Leeds box but saw his effort blocked before he could properly test James Trafford.

Just a couple of minutes later, a quick break saw the ball fall to Anthony inside the box, but his shot was well blocked by Joe Rodon. Truth be told, there was not loads of goal mouth action to talk about early on. 

Andrews' side took the lead just before half-time. A cross from Lewis-Potter was met by Schade, who got in front of his marker, meeting the ball with the outside of his right foot for a sublime finish which Trafford could do nothing to stop.

Leeds made two half-time substitutions as they looked to bring themselves back into the game. With Keith Andrews making substitutions of his own just after the hour mark. With Ouattara replacing Anthony on the right hand side of the attack having been benched for the new signing ahead of the match.

Five minutes later, Leeds' hopes raised as Elland Road claimed for a penalty after Kayode blocked a James Justin cross, ultimately being dismissed by the referee.

With just over 20 minutes left, Andrews again turned to fresh legs as Damsgaard was replaced by Yarmoliuk. Minutes later, Leeds broke quickly, with Dan James driving down the right before attempting a chip that drifted harmlessly across goal.

Brentford breathed a sigh of relief, with Lewis-Potter doing just enough to force James wide and narrow the angle. Not long after, Ajer found himself in the referee’s book for a cynical foul.

With just over ten minutes to play, Leeds finally found their equaliser. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was on hand to steer in a low, driven cross from close range, and after a tense VAR check for offside, the goal stood.

Brentford almost hit back straight away. Ouattara whipped in a tempting cross for Thiago, whose header drew a sharp save. Thiago was first to the rebound but, off balance, could only watch as his follow-up drifted wide.

With two minutes left, Andrews rolled the dice, sending on Wilson, Hickey and Henry for Schade, Kayode and Lewis-Potter in search of a late winner. The gamble didn’t pay off, as neither side found a late winner.

Brentford continue their unbeaten run for the season. However, Leeds have served a reality check for the Bees after scoring nine in their first two competitive matches against Spurs and Birmingham.

Now, attention turns to next Saturday, as the Bees welcome Sunderland to the Gtech Community Stadium.