Brentford’s European bid stalls as Leno’s saves earn Fulham a goalless derby
Brentford’s European bid stalls as Leno’s saves earn Fulham a goalless derby
Brentford’s European hopes take a hit after a goalless West London derby with Fulham, as Leno’s goalkeeping heroics deny them a win and keep their European dream in the balance.
Brentford’s European ambitions took a setback in a goalless West London derby with Fulham, a result that leaves Keith Andrews’ side with five league draws in a row and unable to close the gap on Liverpool. The stalemate also extended Brentford’s home form against fellow London clubs, a run that has seen four draws in four visits this season. Brentford are one of three sides yet to lose a home London derby this term, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea, but they’re also one of two yet to win one, with West Ham the other. The mood inside the stadium reflected a tense, tactical battle, with Brentford opting not to make a single substitution, a rare choice that left Keith Andrews as only the second Premier League manager this season not to bring a change off the bench.
Fulham’s resistance was anchored by Bernd Leno, who stood firm against Brentford’s attempts to break the deadlock. The Germany keeper’s late saves helped Fulham preserve a precious point, ensuring Brentford couldn’t convert their pressure into a breakthrough. The result keeps Brentford stuck in a limbo where a single decisive win could shift their European prospects, but the latest setback underlines how tightly contested the race for Europe remains. The grind to Europe continues as Brentford draw again, and their chase for a continental berth remains very much alive but uncertain.
