Dane Scarlett and Richarlison were on the scoresheet as an under-strength Tottenham Hotspur began their pre-season tour with an entertaining 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC on Sunday.

Despite being without several senior stars, Spurs controlled large periods of the match as head coach Roberto De Zerbi rotated his squad and handed opportunities to a number of younger players during the opening fixture of their summer schedule.

The match was played in challenging wet conditions at Eden Park, where a record crowd of 40,112 fans watched Tottenham make history. It was the largest attendance ever recorded for a men’s football match in New Zealand, surpassing the previous record of 37,034 set during the 2017 FIFA World Cup qualifier between New Zealand and Peru.

The supporters were treated to an entertaining and energetic contest, despite both teams missing several key players.

Tottenham have entered a new era of rebuilding following a difficult Premier League campaign last season, when they narrowly avoided relegation after finishing 17th. The club have since embarked on a major summer recruitment drive as they look to strengthen the squad.

However, only one major new arrival featured against Auckland, with former West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes making an appearance. The midfielder had already impressed during Tottenham’s 1-0 friendly win over MK Dons in London earlier in the week.

De Zerbi confirmed before kick-off that several senior players would be eased into action, with Spurs set to continue their tour with upcoming fixtures against Sydney FC and Chelsea in Australia.

“It’s a chance for the young players,” De Zerbi told TVNZ, while explaining that new signings Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson were not yet ready to feature after their recent arrival.

“After a very long trip, we can’t take a risk with the players who are not ready to play yet.”

Record signing Sandro Tonali was also unavailable after picking up what De Zerbi described as “one small problem” before the squad departed England. The former Newcastle United midfielder was left out as a precaution.

Tottenham eventually broke the deadlock in the 12th minute through Dane Scarlett, who reacted quickest after Manor Solomon’s effort was parried by Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud.

The second goal arrived shortly after the introduction of several substitutes. Mathys Tel created the opportunity with a powerful run into the penalty area before setting up Richarlison for a simple finish.

The result gave Tottenham a positive start to their pre-season preparations, while also providing valuable minutes for several Tottenham Academy prospects looking to impress during the club’s tour of New Zealand and Australia.