As the Premier League season heads into its final stretch, Brentford are refusing to back down.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the Bees edged out already-relegated Ipswich Town with a 1-0 win — and with it, they’ve kept their hopes of a European adventure next season very much alive.
Captain Norgaard Believes in a Magical Finish
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard couldn’t hide his excitement after the match.
It’s such a great feeling to still be in the race for something meaningful,” he said.
“There are plenty of teams with nothing to fight for at this point, so for us to still be pushing for something special — that’s a huge motivation.”
With just a couple of weeks left in the season, Norgaard hopes his team can pull off “something magic.”
It’s a long shot, but if things fall their way, Brentford could find themselves with a Europa Conference League ticket.
Schade Scores the Winner in Scrappy First Half
The match’s only goal came from Kevin Schade in the 18th minute, heading home from a corner — after the set-piece had to be retaken twice due to some wrestling in the box.
That header marked Brentford’s fourth win in a row, their best top-flight streak since way back in 1939.
The victory also lifted Thomas Frank’s men to eighth in the league — a spot that might qualify for Europe unless Crystal Palace win the FA Cup next weekend, which would ruin Brentford’s chances.
Brentford’s Away Form Reaches Historic High
While the Bees stumbled through the early part of the season, especially away from home, their second-half turnaround has been remarkable.
Saturday’s win was their seventh away victory in the last nine outings — a massive improvement from losing seven of their first eight on the road.
“We really found our rhythm away from home in the second half of the season,” said Norgaard.
“It’s been a big difference-maker.”
Ipswich Frustrated by Chaotic Refereeing
Despite already being relegated, Ipswich didn’t make it easy for Brentford.
They put up a late fight and forced goalkeeper Mark Flekken into multiple saves toward the end.
But the real frustration for Ipswich fans was how Schade’s goal played out.
Referee Sam Barrott had to repeatedly pause and reset the corner kick as players grappled in the box.
Even after the goal, there were constant stoppages and lengthy VAR checks that disrupted the game’s rhythm.
Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer tried to stay level-headed. “We can’t let it get to us,” he said.
“The officials have to do their job. We’re just trying to stay focused and defend.”
All Eyes on the Final Stretch
Brentford’s European hopes hang in the balance, and everything now hinges on the final matchdays — as well as the outcome of the FA Cup final.
But regardless of what happens, Thomas Frank’s team has already put together a memorable run that has fans dreaming of more.
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