Fulham reignited their fading hopes of European qualification with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Brentford, halting their west London rivals’ four-game Premier League winning streak in style.
Knowing only a win would keep their push for eighth place alive, Fulham started with intent and were rewarded midway through the first half.
Adama Traoré, making a rare start, floated in a teasing cross that Raul Jimenez met with authority rising above Nathan Collins to power a header past Mark Flekken for 1-0.
But Brentford responded swiftly. Six minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo capitalized on a lapse from Traoré, robbing him in midfield before linking up with Yoane Wissa and driving a clinical low finish into the far corner.
Mbeumo had a chance to double his tally from the penalty spot after Fulham were penalized, but Bernd Leno guessed correctly and kept the score level.
That save only delayed Brentford’s turnaround, as two minutes before the break, Christian Nørgaard headed down a long throw from Michael Kayode, and Wissa tapped in from close range to give the hosts a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Fulham looked flat for much of the second half, but manager Marco Silva’s faith in experience paid off. In the 68th minute, veteran midfielder Tom Cairney potentially playing his final games for the club amid links to Wrexham glanced a deft header into the far corner to level the score.
Just two minutes later, substitute Harry Wilson produced a moment of magic. Cutting inside on his favored left foot, the Welshman curled a sensational strike into the bottom corner to complete the comeback and silence the home fans.
The win lifts Fulham to 10th place, just one point behind Brentford in eighth, with one game remaining. While a European place still remains a long shot, this spirited display ensures the Cottagers are still in the conversation heading into the final weekend.
