Mateus Fernandes scored what he described as the best goal of his career during his Tottenham debut in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday. The goal came within three minutes of his first appearance for the club, contributing to a 1-0 victory over League One side MK Dons.
The 22-year-old, a signing from West Ham, struck a first-time volley from range into the top corner. His effort followed MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray’s long punch clear from a corner, with the ball finding the net via the post from 20 yards out. Fernandes commented on the goal, stating, “It was my favourite goal of my career. By a mile.” He added that he needs to continue shooting from outside the box, believing he is capable of such strikes, and that the goal provides confidence for future matches.
Former Tottenham defender Sebastian Bassong, who works for the club’s media channels, expressed his admiration for the goal. Bassong highlighted the balance, quality, and connection Fernandes showed, noting that he maintained sight of the ball throughout the strike. He compared the goal to notable efforts from Gareth Bale against Stoke City and Zinedine Zidane’s volley against Bayer Leverkusen.
Fernandes was partnered in a midfield double pivot by Sandro Tonali, who was also making his first appearance for Tottenham since joining from Newcastle. Both Fernandes and Tonali were substituted at half-time as manager Roberto de Zerbi made changes to the squad. During their time on the pitch, the pair reportedly dominated the midfield, with Tonali demonstrating decisiveness on the ball and guiding his new teammates.
Another player making his debut was goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who joined on a free transfer from Burnley in June. Dubravka came on at the break for Antonin Kinsky. While there was limited action for either of Tottenham’s goalkeepers, Dubravka made a sharp save from close range, reacting quickly to push a header from six yards over the bar.
The friendly against MK Dons served as an early pre-season test for De Zerbi’s squad. The club’s fortunes have reportedly improved in recent weeks, transitioning from a Premier League relegation battle to securing survival and then making significant signings. De Zerbi was brought in following Igor Tudor’s struggles last term, and the club’s recent acquisitions, including Fernandes and Tonali, are seen as contributing to an upward trajectory.
Fans have shown interest in how Fernandes and Tonali, acquired for a combined cost, might enhance the team’s progress. While an opening pre-season friendly against a lower-division side may not be a definitive measure, moments of quality were evident.
Upcoming Pre-Season Schedule
Tottenham is scheduled to travel to New Zealand on Thursday for their pre-season tour. Their next fixture will be against A-League side Auckland FC in a friendly at Eden Park on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 04:00 BST.
The club’s pre-season schedule includes several other matches that will be available to watch live on SPURSPLAY, the club’s live and on-demand video platform. This includes all three games scheduled for their tour of New Zealand and Australia, as well as additional behind-closed-doors friendlies at Hotspur Way.
The confirmed Men’s First Team pre-season fixtures are:
- Spurs vs MK Dons – Wednesday 22 July – 5pm
- Auckland FC vs Spurs – Sunday 26 July – 4am (UK)
- Sydney FC vs Spurs – Wednesday 29 July – 10.45am (UK)
- Chelsea vs Spurs – Saturday 1 August – 10.45am (UK)
- Spurs vs Getafe CF – Saturday 8 August – 3pm (UK)
- Spurs vs TSG Hoffenheim – Saturday 15 August – 3pm (UK)
- Spurs vs TSG Hoffenheim – Sunday 16 August – 12noon
SPURSPLAY will also feature live coverage of Under-18 and Under-21 home matches throughout the 2026/27 season, along with selected Under-21 away matches and Women’s First Team matches. The platform also offers an extensive library of Spurs video content, including historical collections and highlights from over 1000 games from the last 17 years.
Access to SPURSPLAY is included as a benefit for One Hotspur+ Members and Season Ticket Holders. Alternatively, an annual subscription is available for £45, with a reduced rate of £35 for One Hotspur Members. Subscribers can watch content via tottenhamhotspur.com/spursplay or the Spurs Official app.
The next pre-season match for Tottenham is scheduled for Sunday, 26 July, against Auckland FC.
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Source: bbc.com
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”