Tottenham have work to do to avoid an early Europa Conference League exit after losing the first leg of their play-off tie 1-0 to FC Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal.
Nuno Espirito Santo was without the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son for the trip to Portugal as he took a young travelling squad and made 11 changes to the starting lineup that beat Manchester City on Sunday.
Young forward Dane Scarlett was given a start up front, while there were also full debuts for summer signings Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil and Pierluigi Romero.
Given the first XI was completely new, it was no surprise to see Spurs lacking rhythm against the Portuguese outfit - and so it proved as they went into half-time a goal down.
A loose ball led to a Pacos breakaway, and Lucas Silva broke the offside trap before beating Gollini one on one - a little too easily, it should be said - to put the hosts in front.
Spurs fall behind just before the break! 😮
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 19, 2021
Paços de Ferreira catch Tottenham on the counter as Lucas Silva finds the back of the net 😬 pic.twitter.com/SAwauf6okZ
Nuno responded by introducing Jack Clarke - his most experienced substitute - at the interval, but Spurs failed to have a shot on target as Pacos ran out deserved winners.
Spurs will be confident of winning the return leg in north London, especially given Nuno will be able to call on a host of experienced players this time around.
However, the big question will be he turns to star names or offers the youngsters the chance to make amends - especially given this is a competition Spurs could perhaps do without being in this season.
