Tottenham Hotspur opened their 2026/27 pre-season campaign with a 1-0 victory over MK Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Hotspur Way on 22 July 2026.
Mateus Fernandes scored the only goal just three minutes into his first appearance for Spurs, meeting a clearance with a superb first-time volley from outside the penalty area.
A spectacular start for Fernandes
The decisive move began with a Tottenham corner. MK Dons cleared the initial delivery, but the ball dropped towards Fernandes near the edge of the box. The midfielder kept his eyes on it and connected cleanly with his right foot before it could touch the ground.
His shot travelled through a crowded penalty area, beat the goalkeeper and went in off the post. The goal brought an immediate celebration from his new team-mates and gave Tottenham an early lead that they held for the rest of the match.
Tottenham continue to create chances
Spurs remained on the front foot after the opener. Manor Solomon combined neatly on the left before forcing a save, while Archie Gray sent a dangerous ball across goal as Tottenham looked for a second.
Richarlison found the net after clipping the ball beyond the goalkeeper, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. The Brazilian later broke through again, but this time the goalkeeper stood up well and made the save.
MK Dons also threatened before the interval. A deflected effort near the Tottenham penalty area fell kindly for Antonín Kinský, who gathered the ball and kept Spurs in front.
Fresh line-up after the break
Tottenham changed their line-up for the second half, giving more members of the squad valuable pre-season minutes. Luca Williams-Barnett produced one of the best passes of the match, lifting the ball over the defence for Yang Min-hyeok. Yang rounded the goalkeeper but steered his finish wide.
At the other end, Martin Dúbravka made the standout save of the closing stages. The experienced goalkeeper reacted sharply and pushed a rising attempt over the crossbar, preserving Tottenham’s clean sheet.
A winning opening to pre-season
Fernandes’ early strike ultimately separated the teams and provided the defining moment of Tottenham’s first summer fixture. His technique and timing turned a partially cleared corner into a memorable debut goal.
The match also delivered competitive minutes across the squad, several well-worked attacking moves and a clean sheet. Tottenham now move forward in their pre-season schedule with a win secured and Fernandes already off the mark.