Damsgaard’s Late Strike Sinks Burnley in Premier League Thriller

Brentford secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, February 28, 2026, thanks to a 93rd-minute winner from Mikkel Damsgaard. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a spirited Burnley comeback and late VAR controversy.

First-Half Dominance for Brentford

Brentford started strongly, taking the lead in the 9th minute with a header from Damsgaard, assisted by Dango Ouattara. Igor Thiago doubled the advantage in the 25th minute and Kevin Schade extended Brentford’s lead to 3-0 by the 34th minute. The Bees appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory.

Burnley’s Remarkable Comeback

Burnley, facing growing discontent from their fans, mounted a stunning second-half comeback. Michael Kayode’s own goal in first-half stoppage time sparked the revival. Kayode then deflected a shot past his own goalkeeper in the 47th minute, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Zian Flemming completed the improbable turnaround, equalizing for Burnley in the 60th minute with a powerful header.

VAR Drama and Late Heartbreak

The drama didn’t end there. Burnley thought they had taken the lead in the 79th minute through Flemming, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review revealed Jaidon Anthony was offside during the build-up. In a chaotic finish, Damsgaard restored Brentford’s lead in the 93rd minute. However, the controversy continued into added time when Ashley Barnes appeared to have equalized in the 98th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for a handball – a decision that sparked outrage from Burnley manager Scott Parker.

Post-Match Reactions

Scott Parker expressed his frustration with the VAR decisions, stating the handball call felt “so, so harsh.” The Guardian reported Parker’s comments on the fine margins and the pursuit of perfection in officiating. Brentford manager Keith Andrews acknowledged his team’s struggles to cope with Burnley’s response but ultimately praised their resilience in securing the victory. Sky Sports noted that both Mike Dean and Kris Boyd felt the handball decision was inconclusive.

Player Ratings

Burnley: Dubravka (5), Humphreys (5), Worrall (4), Esteve (6), Laurent (5), Ward-Prowse (5), Hannibal (7), Pires (6), Bruun Larsen (5), Anthony (7), Flemming (7). Subs: Ugochukwu (7), Foster (6), Florentino (6), Tchaouna, Barnes (n/a).

Brentford: Valdimarsson (6), Kayode (5), Ajer (6), Van den Berg (6), Henry (6), Jensen (6), Yarmoliuk (6), Ouattara (6), Damsgaard (9), Schade (7), Thiago (8). Subs: Lewis-Potter (6), Donovan (7), Henderson (6).

Mikkel Damsgaard was named Player of the Match.

Key Match Statistics

• 9th minute: Damsgaard heads Brentford into the lead.
• 25th minute: Thiago doubles Brentford’s advantage.
• 34th minute: Schade scores to create it 3-0 to Brentford.
• 45+3 minute: Kayode own goal gives Burnley hope.
• 47th minute: Anthony’s deflected shot reduces the deficit to 3-2.
• 60th minute: Flemming equalizes for Burnley.
• 93rd minute: Damsgaard scores the winning goal for Brentford.
• 98th minute: Barnes’ goal disallowed by VAR for handball.

This match will undoubtedly be remembered as a Premier League classic, filled with drama, controversy, and a testament to the never-say-die attitude of both teams. BeIN SPORTS highlighted the game as a seven-goal thriller.