Newcastle Fall 2-0 to Atlético in Final Pre-Season Test

Newcastle United closed out their pre-season campaign with a tough 2-0 defeat against Atlético Madrid at St. James’ Park, in a match that highlighted both the Magpies’ current struggles and the Spanish side’s clinical edge.

Early Exchanges Show Promise but No Breakthrough

The opening 45 minutes saw both teams testing each other’s defensive shape without producing a breakthrough. Newcastle’s best opportunities came through Joelinton, who twice rose to meet dangerous set-piece deliveries but couldn’t steer his headers on target. Atlético, meanwhile, showed sharp movement in attack, though Newcastle’s back line managed to keep them at bay until halftime.

Atlético Seize Control After the Break

Just five minutes into the second half, Atlético struck first. A quick counterattack caught Newcastle flat-footed, ending with Julián Álvarez calmly slotting the ball home from close range. The goal shifted the balance decisively, forcing Newcastle onto the back foot.

Barely ten minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead. Antoine Griezmann found space inside the box after a flowing team move and finished with trademark precision, leaving Newcastle’s goalkeeper with no chance.

A Wake-Up Call for the Magpies

This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, and it proved to be a lesson in ruthlessness for Eddie Howe’s side. Newcastle ended their pre-season without a single win, having struggled to convert chances and lacking the spark needed in the final third. The defeat adds pressure ahead of the Premier League opener, as questions remain over squad depth and attacking efficiency.

Confidence Boost for Atlético

For Atlético Madrid, the win capped a strong pre-season performance. Their defence was organized, their counterattacks lethal, and their match sharpness evident. Diego Simeone’s side head into the new La Liga season with momentum and belief.

As the competitive fixtures loom, Newcastle will need to rediscover their cutting edge quickly, while Atlético leave England confident their preparations have hit the mark.