Gallagher strikes as it’s honours even against Getafe

In a shortened contest with two halves of 35 minutes each, our Spanish visitors took the lead in the 55th minute after we’d seen a number of chances go begging, but a quick reply from Conor Gallagher ensured we maintained our unbeaten run in pre-season, having won our previous four matches.

This was our first game back in England following our three-match tour to New Zealand and Australia, with our visitors Getafe having finished seventh in La Liga last season, qualifying for the Europa Conference League in the process.

Roberto De Zerbi fielded a strong enough side including new boys Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson and our first sight of goal in the glorious Enfield sunshine came after seven minutes following a strong run forwards from Lucas Bergvall whose eventual shot was gathered comfortably by goalkeeper David Soria.

The visitors’ first opportunity was created in the 20th minute after some neat skill from Martin Satriano on half-way, who then slipped a pass into Ebra Drammeh but Archie Gray did well to get across and block his angled shot.

Much of the half was played in the middle of the park before a flurry of action in the lead-up to the break. Just after the half-hour, a ball into the box was nodded back across by Richarlison for Bergvall who was clattered as he went for the header but a corner was awarded, which came to nothing.

Right on the stroke of half-time came the best chance so far, Robertson’s free-kick into the box met by an unmarked Ben Davies but his header was straight at David Soria and Getafe were able to clear their lines as the whistle sounded for the interval.

After a swift half-time break, we were back underway quickly and there were early opportunities for both sides in the opening minutes of the second period. First, Marcos Pachon went on a dazzling solo run but fired off-target for Getafe, before Mathys Tel delivered a teasing low ball across the six-yard box but Mikey Moore couldn’t quite reach it to convert.

Moments later, Robertson’s corner was bouncing around, Richarlison rose highest to head goalwards with David Soria getting a hand to his effort. There were claims the ball had crossed the line but no goal was awarded.

Instead it was our Spanish visitors who stole the lead in the 55th minute with a well-worked goal. Alberto Risco received the ball 30 yards from goal, played a one-two with Francisco Burgos and lashed the return pass into the back of Antonin Kinsky’s net.

We were level just five minutes later though. Tonali played a pass in to Richarlison who was upended from behind but the ball ran loose and Gallagher was alive to it, getting there first to take a touch before sliding it into the far corner.

And with two of the 70 minutes remaining, we had a glorious chance to win the game as Tel stood up a cross to the back post, Richarlison was unmarked but his header was saved again by David Soria, diving to his left, and we had to settle for the 1-1 draw.

Line-ups

Spurs (4-3-3): Kinsky, Gray (c), van Hecke, Davies, Robertson, Bergvall, Tonali, Gallagher, Moore, Richarlison, Tel. Substitutes (not used): Vicario, Takai, Donley, Scarlett, Yang, Hardy, Byrne.

Getafe (4-4-2): David Soria, Djene (c) (Oscar), Abqar (Davinchi), Hamdoune, Montes (Kiko F), A Garcia (Z Romero), Mangala, Risco (Mario Martin), Ebra (Curro), Satriano (B Mayoral), Pachon (R Terrats). Substitutes (not used): Letacek, Ibu, Diego.

Match data

Goals: Spurs – Gallagher 60; Getafe - Risco 55.

Yellow card: Getafe - Ebra.

Referee: Nick Hopton.

Venue: Hotspur Way.

Weather: Sunny intervals, gentle breeze, 27 degrees.