Brentford snatched a dramatic point in the dying moments as Fabio Carvalho’s stoppage-time strike secured a 2-2 draw against Chelsea in a thrilling West London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Blues looked to have completed a comeback win when Moises Caicedo unleashed a stunning effort from the edge of the box in the 85th minute. But just as Chelsea fans began to celebrate, Carvalho arrived at the far post in the third minute of added time to squeeze the ball home and rescue a point for the Bees.
Brentford had taken the lead just before half-time through Kevin Schade, who punished a defensive lapse when Trevoh Chalobah pressed forward, leaving Tosin Adarabioyo exposed. Schade coolly cut inside and fired low beyond Robert Sanchez to make it 1-0 at the break.
Chelsea dominated possession but lacked penetration in the first half, with their creative spark missing until the introduction of Cole Palmer. Making his first appearance since the opening weekend, the England international immediately lifted his side’s tempo.
Palmer’s impact was decisive on the hour mark. Enzo Fernandez lofted a clever ball into the box, Joao Pedro rose strongly to nod it down, and Palmer swept home the equaliser with trademark composure.
The match then opened up as both sides traded chances. Sanchez denied Schade with a superb reflex save, while Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher produced heroics to keep Palmer from adding a second.
Chelsea’s pressure eventually told when Caicedo blasted home a long-range effort five minutes from time, seemingly sealing victory. However, Brentford refused to bow, and Carvalho’s last-gasp finish ensured the spoils were shared in an enthralling derby.
For Chelsea, there were positives in the performances of Palmer, Fernandez, and Pedro Neto, all of whom grew into the game. But the late equaliser will sting, leaving Keith Andrews’ Brentford celebrating a hard-earned draw that felt like a win.
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