Brentford twice came from behind to earn a 2–2 draw against Crystal Palace in a result that may have extended their unbeaten home head-to-head run to seven matches, but it did little to strengthen their push for European qualification.
The visitors endured a nightmare start in a high-stakes contest. Within the opening minutes, Dango Ouattara wasted a clear chance, blazing over from close range, and was immediately punished when Ismaïla Sarr was fouled in the box by Caoimhin Kelleher, gifting Palace a penalty.
Sarr picked himself up and calmly converted, drawing level with Andy Johnson’s club record of 21 goals in all competitions in a Premier League season.
Crystal Palace continued to look the more threatening side, striking the woodwork twice through Sarr and Jørgen Strand Larsen, while Brentford struggled to find rhythm despite the frantic pace.
However, Keith Andrews’ side pulled level before the break when Ouattara reacted quickest at the back post, bundling in after a deflected clearance off Jaydee Canvot.
Palace responded early in the second half and regained the lead when Daniel Muñoz set up Adam Wharton, whose driven effort squeezed under Kelleher for his first goal in his 94th appearance for the club.
Brentford introduced Kevin Schade in search of inspiration but continued to find it difficult to break through a disciplined Palace defence.
The visitors were then spared further damage when Kelleher produced a crucial fingertip save to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Palace were undone late on by a familiar weapon.
A long throw caused chaos in the box, Sepp van den Berg flicked it on, and Ouattara was on hand again to head in his second and rescue a point.
The draw also carried frustration for Crystal Palace, who were without several key defenders ahead of their UEFA Conference League final, and missed the chance to secure a first league double over Brentford since 1957/58.
For Brentford, meanwhile, their European hopes remain alive going into the final day, though a run of just one win in nine league games leaves them needing a strong finish to stay in contention.
