A rare mistake by keeper Dan Bentley proved costly for Brentford, who conceded two late goals and remain too close to the relegation zone for comfort.
Goals from Jota and Lasse Vibe put them ahead after John Swift had given Reading an early lead.
But Danny Williams levelled by turning in Garath McCleary’s cross, before Roy Beerens taped into an empty net after being set up by Yann Kermorgant following Bentley’s poor clearance.
Brentford, 15th in the table and eight points clear of the bottom three, have conceded a total of 10 goals in their last three matches.
On a positive note, their two goals at the Madejski Stadium were both well worked.
Florian Jozefzoon, just on as a substitute, ran half the length of the pitch before teeing up Jota just after the hour mark.
Jota then turned provider, playing in Vibe, who smashed home from close range with the help of a deflection off Chris Gunter.
This post was last modified on 21/02/2017