A stoppage-time strike from substitute Fabio Carvalho snatched a point for Brentford in a pulsating west London encounter that left Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca lamenting defensive lapses.
The Portuguese winger needed just four minutes after his introduction to bundle home from Kevin Schade's long throw in the 93rd minute, cancelling out brilliant goals from Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo.
"It's a shame but it happens," Maresca told BBC Match of the Day. "Probably we could manage that moment of the game better but in the end we concede and lose two points.
"First of all try not to concede the throw-in.They have [Michael] Kayode, [Mathias] Jensen, Schade and even [Ethan] Pinnock who are strong on throw-ins," he explained.
Brentford grabbed a late equaliser through Fabio Carvalho | REUTERSMaresca made wholesale changes at half-time, bringing on Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Tyrique George for Facundo Buonanotte, Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana. The Brighton loanee Buonanotte had struggled in his debut, while Hato was another recent arrival requiring careful management.
"The last period has not been great for [Buonanotte] knowing he has to go somewhere," Maresca added. "We planned to give Fofana 45 minutes because he's back after a long time."
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Reece James was brought on for Wesley Fofana at half time
|REUTERS
Despite the disappointment, Maresca insisted his team deserved victory based on their second-half display: "I think we were much much better. I think we deserve to win the game second half but it's a shame."
The match had begun with Maresca fielding an experimental lineup, aiming to preserve key players for the upcoming European tie away at Bayern Munich on Wednesday. This strategy faltered when Schade capitalised on Jordan Henderson's through ball to give the hosts a deserved advantage after 35 minutes.
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Palmer's introduction ten minutes into the second period proved transformative. The England international swept home a first-time volley to restore parity, marking his first non-penalty league goal since January.
Alejandro Garnacho, making his debut following his transfer from Manchester United, then assisted Caicedo's thunderous strike five minutes from time. The Ecuadorian midfielder's powerful effort appeared to have secured victory.
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Enzo Maresca rued defensive mistakes to allow Brentford's late throw-in
|REUTERS
Yet Brentford refused to give in. Their persistence paid dividends when Carvalho ghosted in unmarked at the far post to convert from another Schade throw-in, leaving Chelsea's defenders exposed and their manager frustrated.
The result leaves Chelsea in fifth position after four league matches, with their squad depth tested ahead of a demanding schedule. Palmer's return after nearly three weeks out provided a boost, with Maresca praising his impact: "We know how it is, we know he will help us and he was very good when inside [the team]."
The Blues now face a swift turnaround before travelling to Munich's Allianz Arena for their Champions League return after a two-year absence. A Premier League clash at Old Trafford against Manchester United follows shortly after.
Maresca's rotation decisions, designed to manage his squad through a congested period, ultimately cost valuable points. Meanwhile, Brentford climbed to 12th place, demonstrating their continued threat, particularly from set plays and throw-ins, under new boss Keith Andrews.