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Tottenham struggle against Sydney FC as Tel shines and Robertson debuts
29th July, 2026 03:29 PM
Tottenham Hotspur continued their pre-season tour with a 4-2 win against Sydney FC on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 as Roberto De Zerbi’s side added another valuable fitness test ahead of the new campaign.
The tie was decide in the penalty shootouts after it ended 1-1 in regular time.
Spurs opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Mathys Tel produced a superb curling free-kick that left the Sydney goalkeeper with no chance. However, the Australian side restored parity early in the second half through Takahiro Sekine after a defensive mistake from Spurs.
Although the match finished level after 90 minutes, Tottenham came out on top in the post-match penalty shootout, winning 4-2.
The encounter also marked the first appearance for new signing Andrew Robertson following his summer switch from Liverpool.
Positive signs
Pre-season fixtures are primarily designed to improve match sharpness, and Tottenham achieved that objective by giving several players more minutes on the pitch.
One of the biggest talking points before kickoff was the absence of midfielder Mateus Fernandes, sparking speculation that the Portuguese international could be dealing with a serious knee problem.
Reports suggest, however, that Fernandes was simply rested as a precaution and is not currently nursing an injury, despite the rumours circulating after he was left out of the squad.
For much of the game, Spurs controlled possession and created the better opportunities, giving De Zerbi plenty of encouraging moments to take into the remainder of pre-season.
The successful penalty shootout also provided a confidence boost, with new arrivals Sandro Tonali and Robertson both converting their spot-kicks.
Match highlights
Tottenham broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Mathys Tel stepped up to a free-kick and bent a brilliant effort into the top corner, capping off an impressive first-half display.
Sydney FC found an equaliser 10 minutes into the second half. Defender Kota Takai misjudged the ball, allowing Takahiro Sekine to pounce and finish comfortably past the goalkeeper.
Mathys Tel was Tottenham’s standout performer before being substituted at half-time. In addition to his outstanding free-kick, the French forward constantly troubled Sydney’s defence with his pace, intelligent movement and attacking threat.
Match statistics
Possession: Tottenham 58% – 42% Sydney FC
Shots: Tottenham 18 – 7 Sydney FC
Shots on target: Tottenham 5 – 3 Sydney FC
Corners: Tottenham 7 – 0 Sydney FC
Fouls: Tottenham 3 – 11 Sydney FC
What next?
Tottenham will continue their preparations for the 2026-27 Premier League season with a London derby against Chelsea on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Sydney FC, meanwhile, will shift focus to domestic competition as they prepare to face Blacktown City FC in the Australia Cup Round of 16 on August 5.
