Dango Ouattara struck twice as Brentford fought back on two occasions to claim a dramatic draw against Conference League finalists Crystal Palace and keep their European hopes alive.
The Burkina Faso forward scored a late equaliser at the Gtech Community Stadium after Adam Wharton’s first goal for Palace had seemingly put the visitors on course for victory.
Palace made the perfect start when goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher brought down Ismaila Sarr inside the penalty area just two minutes into the match.
Referee Sam Barrott initially waved away appeals, but after a VAR review he pointed to the spot, allowing Sarr to calmly convert his 21st goal of the season in all competitions.
Brentford struggled badly during the opening half but found an unlikely route back into the game when Jaydee Canvot’s attempted headed clearance struck Ouattara in the face and looped into the far corner - the Bees’ only shot on target before the break.
Keith Andrews’ side improved after half-time but fell behind again when Wharton’s low effort slipped underneath Kelleher and into the net.
Brentford continued to push forward late on and eventually found another equaliser with just two minutes remaining.
Ouattara rose at the far post to head home from close range and rescue a valuable point for the hosts.
The result keeps Brentford eighth in the Premier League table - a position that would secure qualification for next season’s Europa Conference League - while Palace remain 15th.
Although Brentford remain firmly in the hunt for continental football, their recent form continues to raise concerns.
The Bees have now won only one of their past nine league matches and face a daunting trip to Liverpool on the final day of the season.
Chelsea could also overtake them if the Blues win their game in hand against Tottenham.
After offering little attacking threat in the first half, Brentford finally showed greater urgency late in the contest.
Keane Lewis-Potter fired narrowly wide before Dean Henderson produced an excellent save to deny Ouattara, only for the winger to beat him moments later with his headed equaliser.
The hosts nearly completed the turnaround in stoppage time, but Igor Thiago blasted over from close range before Sepp van den Berg headed wide from a corner.
Crystal Palace arrived in west London with their focus increasingly fixed on the upcoming Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
Manager Oliver Glasner made five changes following the defeat to Manchester City in midweek, resting several key players including Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jefferson Lerma and Chris Richards.
Despite the alterations, Palace controlled large portions of the game and will feel disappointed not to have taken all three points.
The afternoon was made worse by injuries to defenders Chadi Riad and Richards late in the second half.
Richards required assistance leaving the pitch after going down during stoppage time, leaving Palace sweating over his fitness ahead of both the final-day clash with Arsenal and the European final later this month.
