REUTERS/Albert Gea
New signing Malcom scored the winning kick from the spot as Barcelona won 5-3 on penalties in the 2018 International Champions Cup on Saturday. Tottenham came back from two goals down in the second half before falling in the penalty shoot-out in Los Angeles.
The La Liga champions looked comfortable after goals from Munir and Arthur sent them 2-0 up at half-time, however, Spurs hit back in the last 16 minutes of the game thanks to goals from Son Heung-min and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou.
The game was headed straight to penalties, but it was Tottenham youngster Anthony Georgiou whose effort was denied by Jasper Cillessen, allowing Malcolm to convert from the spot and secure the 5-3 victory.
Spurs winger Nkoudou impressed on his first game back to the squad after a loan spell with Burnley last season, with the Frenchman scoring the comeback goal on Saturday and receiving the Man of the Match award for his performance.
The injury crisis worsens
Both sides were forced to bring off players due to injury, with Barcelona losing Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes, and Spurs midfielder Moussa Sissoko being forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury all within the first half at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Tottenham’s injury problems have increased since the full-time whistle, with Victor Wanyama and Tashan Oakley-Boothe both flown home for treatment.
Wanyama is being treated for a knee injury, the same problem that ruled him out of the squad for four months last season. It compounds an ever-increasing crisis for the Lilywhites, with several players now sidelined - especially central midfielders - though the club are yet to spend any money.
New boys in action
Barcelona's new signings all played a pivotal role in their victory. Clement Lenglet made his first appearance, with debutants Arthur and Malcom both scoring their first goal for the club.
Ernesto Valverde has praised his three new signings, who he said "played really well" against Pochettino’s side.
Tottenham, however, are looking at a tough season ahead to battle for a top four place with no new signings in the summer transfer window, aggravated by a shortage of central midfielders.
Spurs may struggle if they sign no-one before the window shuts on August 9th, though Pochettino has since stressed that the club will be active before the deadline.