But it took a Jermaine Beckford goal, his first in seven games, to rescue a point for Simon Grayson's men. Results elsewhere meant they lost ground on the Canaries and ended the day just two points above third-placed Charlton.
Keeper Casper Ankergren denied Sam Wood when the Bees felt they should have gone ahead, but was beaten on the hour mark when Ben Strevens forced the ball home from a corner.
Beckford levelled 12 minutes later, converting Gary McSheffrey's cross and although Lubo Michalik came close by hitting the woodwork, Leeds had to settle for a draw.
"It's all about results at this stage of the season, it doesn't matter how you play, so to play well and still not win is frustrating," said Grayson after.
"We played well today and I think it's the best we've played for a number of weeks now. We passed it very well and we didn't get our rewards today but if we perform like that for the rest of the season I'm sure well get to where we want to get to this season."
Leeds beat Tranmere Rovers 4-1 a couple of days later and despite losing four on the bounce, recovered to eventually seal second place and promotion back to the Championship on the final day of the season.
The Whites will host Brentford again on Sunday, this time in the Premier League.
Here's where the team who played against the Bees almost a dozen years ago are now.
7. Andrew Hughes
The 43-year-old's coaching career has taken him to Bolton, Rotherham, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. He joined the Norwich City staff six months ago.
8. Robert Snodgrass
Now aged 34, Snodgrass is at West Brom where injury disrupted his start to the season. After a run of four Championship starts he appears to have fallen out of favour with boss Valerien Ismael.
9. Jermaine Beckford
The goalscorer, now 37, has forged a media career since retirement and appears on various football shows as a pundit. He also co-hosts Leeds United's official podcast.
10. Luciano Becchio
The 37-year-old played for several clubs after Leeds, then returned to CD Atlético Baleares as assistant manager in 2018. He has since moved into representation with his firm Capital Group Sports Management
11. Gary McSheffrey
Now 39, McSheffrey is part of the Doncaster Rovers academy coaching set-up, leading the Under 18s. Last season he played for non-league outfit Rossington Main.
12. Lubomir Michalik
The 38-year-old has played four times for Slovakian top tier side Orion Tip Sered this season. They sit eighth in the table. Speaking in May he had no plans to retire.