Brentford remained in contention for a firs-ever European qualification after sealing a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in their final home game of the season on Sunday.
The Bees had Dango Ouattara to thank for scoring twice, including a late equalizer as they remained in the hunt to finish in an European spot with just a single league game left this season.
Crystal Palace were off to the perfect start in the clash after they were awarded a penalty kick in the opening exchanges. Caoimhin Kelleher had brought down Ismaila Sarr and the Senegalese converted from the spot-kick which was awarded after a VAR review.
Daniel Munoz was then denied by Kelleher as Crystal Palace continued to up the tempo in search of more goals, before Adam Wharton fired wide from an attempt.
Crystal Palace then hit the post twice in quick succession, first through Yeremy Pino then through club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen.
However, Ouattara put Brentford back level heading into halftime with one of the luckiest goal he would ever score. Jaydee Canvot attempted clearance struck the face of the Burkinabe winger and flew past Dean Henderson into the back of the net.
Wharton put Crystal Palace back ahead after halftime with his first-ever goal for the club, although Kelleher could have done better in preventing the goal.
It looked as though Palace would get their first Premier League win since early April, but Ouattara had other ideas.
Michael Kayode delivered a long-throw into the box and Ouattara was on hand to score after a flick on to seal a valuable 2-2 draw for Brentford, which keeps them firmly in the hunt to qualify for an European place.
The Bees remain in eighth place on the standings with 52 points, while Bournemouth and Brighton above them have 55 and 53 respectively, heading into their final game of the season against Liverpool next weekend.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
