EPL: Brentford Edges Ipswich 1-0, Closes in on European Spot

Brentford defeated Ipswich 1-0 thanks to Kevin Schade's header, boosting their chances of securing a European spot. The win marks their fourth consecutive Premier League victory.

Thomas Frank said Brentford is “dreaming” of Europe after Kevin Schade's first-half goal secured a 1-0 win at Ipswich, the team's fourth straight Premier League victory.

Schade's looping header from Bryan Mbeumo's corner earned all three points, lifting Brentford to eighth place. A Palace loss in the FA Cup final would secure Conference League football for the Bees.

Brentford manager Frank emphasized the need for a perfect finish, saying, “We need a perfect run-in... It demands two top performances against difficult opponents. It's always been [our aim] to end as high as possible. We're dreaming.”

Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard had a close chance in first-half stoppage time, but Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer made crucial saves to deny Yoane Wissa and Schade in the second half. Despite late pressure from Ipswich, Brentford held on for the win, with Omari Hutchinson hitting the post and Cameron Burgess having a shot saved.

Brentford are in a strong position to secure eighth place, with a favorable run-in ahead. Since losing to Newcastle on April 2, they've been unbeaten, including wins over tough opponents like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United.

Kevin Schade's recent form has boosted Brentford's European hopes, complementing the goalscoring exploits of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. A top-eight finish would secure the Bees' first-ever European football campaign.

Kevin Schade's header at Portman Road was his fourth goal in three appearances and 12th of the season.

The goal came after a VAR check cleared Jacob Greaves, and a subsequent scuffle between Jack Taylor and Christian Norgaard led to both being booked as Mbeumo prepared to retake the corner.

Brentford believed they should've earned another penalty when Nathan Collins fell after Axel Tuanzebe's challenge in the second half.

Manager Thomas Frank was likely relieved his team held on as Ipswich pushed forward late, seeking an equalizer.

Ipswich earned 15 points away from home last weekend after coming from behind against Everton. However, their home form has been disappointing, with just seven points earned at Portman Road.

The Tractor Boys' 13th home defeat of the season equals a club record set in 1994-95. They've now lost eight straight home games, their longest such streak.

Ipswich had late chances to salvage a point, but George Hirst scuffed a shot wide after Van den Berg's error. Omari Hutchinson then hit the post from a tight angle.

In added time, Cameron Burgess had a header saved by Flekken, and Hirst's follow-up header was held onto by the goalkeeper, securing the win for Brentford. Ipswich now face Leicester away and West Ham at home.