Bayern dress rehearsal botched late: Schade annoys Chelsea with foot and hand

First goal of the season: Kevin Schade celebrates against Chelsea. Getty Images

A German international, recently dropped by national coach Julian Nagelsmann, proved a shock to Chelsea on Saturday evening. Kevin Schade, who scored eleven times in the Premier League last season but made his fourth and final appearance for his country last October, first gave Brentford the lead and then set up the final goal for the 2-2 draw in an unconventional fashion. In doing so, he also overshadowed Palmer, who made his comeback just in time for Chelsea's Champions League opener against Bayern Munich on Wednesday (9 p.m.).

Before halftime, Schade, who has been without his attacking partners Mbeumo (20 goals, now Man United) and Wissa (18, Newcastle) this season and missed a penalty in the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland before the international break, scored his first goal of the season and gave Brentford a well-deserved lead. Henderson set him up with a superb high pass, and Adarabioyo deflected the shot slightly (35').

Chelsea, on the other hand, had shockingly little to do with their increased possession. Initially without Palmer, who had only returned to training on Thursday after his groin injury and therefore started on the bench, they lacked clear attacking moves. Even debutant Buonanotte was utterly lackluster. The only excitement in front of Brentford's goal: Fernandez hit the outside of the post from a corner shortly before halftime.

After the break, however, the Blues showed a different face, thanks to a triple substitution at halftime, but especially to the substitution made by coach Enzo Maresca ten minutes later: Palmer, making his comeback after a month's layoff, immediately made an impact. After Fernandez's cross from the halfway line and Joao Pedro's winning header, the ball fell perfectly to his feet in the penalty area - 1-1 (61').

The visitors stayed close, were significantly closer to making it 2-1 than Brentford, and finally struck. After Palmer carelessly missed a brace on a quick counterattack (75th minute), Caicedo finally beat Kelleher. After a cross from substitute Garnacho was blocked too short, Chelsea's midfielder was able to take aim in the center of the penalty area and fired home (85th minute). Schade didn't bother the goalscorer either.

The former Freiburg player, however, fought back personally against defeat – with throw-ins. In the 88th minute, he blasted one so dangerously towards goal that keeper Sanchez had difficulty clearing it for a corner. Another in stoppage time, the 1.96-meter-tall substitute Ajer then flicked it on in the six-yard box to former Leipzig player Fabio Carvalho, who slotted home to make it 2-2 (90+3').

Brentford thus avoided a third defeat in four games, while Chelsea remained unbeaten but squandered what was thought to be a sure away win.