Relegation-threatened Burnley produced a stirring fightback from three goals down, only to be denied a famous point as Mikkel Damsgaard struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory for Brentford at Turf Moor.
The visitors appeared in complete control inside 34 minutes.
Damsgaard opened the scoring early on, arriving unmarked to head home a corner, before turning provider for Igor Thiago, who slotted in his 18th league goal of the season.
Kevin Schade then capitalised after a set-piece scramble to make it 3-0, silencing the home crowd.
But Burnley responded just before the interval. Jaidon Anthony’s driven cross was turned into his own net by Michael Kayode, giving the Clarets a lifeline.
Within two minutes of the restart, Anthony’s effort was again deflected in by Kayode to halve the deficit and spark belief among the home fans.
The comeback was complete on the hour mark when Zian Flemming powered in a header past Hakon Valdimarsson to level the contest, transforming earlier boos into roars of encouragement.
Burnley thought they had completed a remarkable turnaround when Flemming bundled home in the 78th minute, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside.
That decision proved pivotal.
With three minutes of added time played, Damsgaard struck again, finishing from a Rico Henry cross to restore Brentford’s lead.
There was still time for late drama as Ashley Barnes found the net in the 99th minute, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for accidental handball in the build-up.
The win strengthens Brentford’s push for European qualification, lifting Keith Andrews’ side to seventh on 43 points, while Burnley remain 19th on 19 points.
For manager Keith Andrews, this was far from straightforward but deeply significant.
Having taken over from Thomas Frank, Andrews has gradually moulded Brentford into a confident, attack-minded side.
Their explosive start showcased that progress. Damsgaard’s early goal set the tone, and his assist for Thiago underlined his influence.
Though they allowed Burnley back into the contest, Brentford showed resilience to claim all three points late on.
Five wins from their last six away league matches keep them firmly in contention for a top-seven finish - and a first-ever qualification for European competition.
Despite defeat, there were clear positives for manager Scott Parker and his players.
Burnley had shown renewed spirit in recent weeks, and that character was evident again in their comeback.
Anthony was central to everything positive, scoring once and forcing two own goals, while Flemming continued his recent knack for crucial contributions.
Hannibal Mejbri’s energy in midfield also drove the fightback.
Although they remain deep in trouble in the relegation battle, the Clarets demonstrated the resilience and intensity that could yet give them hope during the run-in.
On another day, the story might have ended in celebration rather than heartbreak.
