Watch: Mathys Tel scores stunning 25-yard free-kick as Tottenham beat Sydney FC in pre-season shootout

Mathys Tel produced the standout moment of Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season tour with a brilliant 25-yard free-kick against Sydney FC.

Although the match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, Roberto De Zerbi’s side prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout to record their third victory of the summer and continue building momentum ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Tel steals the spotlight

The French forward opened the scoring in spectacular fashion after curling an unstoppable free-kick into the top-right corner from around 25 yards in the 29th minute.

It was another reminder of the immense talent Tel possesses following his permanent £30 million move from Bayern Munich, and his lively display underlined his determination to become a key figure in De Zerbi’s attacking plans this season.

With Tottenham continuing to be linked with Manchester City winger Savinho, Tel’s performance could hardly have come at a better time as he looks to secure a regular starting role.

Watch the goal

🎥 Watch Mathys Tel’s stunning free-kick below:

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De Zerbi rotates his squad

De Zerbi once again prioritised fitness management by rotating his squad throughout the contest.

Summer signing Mateus Fernandes was left out of the matchday squad, although reports suggest the £85 million midfielder was simply rested rather than sidelined through injury.

Several established first-team players, including James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven, were also omitted as Tottenham carefully managed workloads during the demanding pre-season schedule.

There was encouraging news for supporters, however, as club-record signing Sandro Tonali made his latest appearance after coming on at half-time to replace Lucas Bergvall.

Positive signs ahead of the new season

While the result itself carried little significance, Tottenham’s performance offered several encouraging signs for De Zerbi.

Tel’s eye-catching free-kick, Tonali’s growing involvement and another unbeaten outing suggest Spurs are steadily adapting to the Italian’s attacking philosophy as preparations continue for the 2026-27 campaign.

If Tel can maintain this level of form, he could become one of Tottenham’s biggest attacking weapons regardless of whether further reinforcements arrive before the transfer window closes.

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