Newcastle United will wrap up their preseason with a big friendly against Atlético Madrid at St James’ Park on Saturday, 9 August 2025. For Eddie Howe’s team it’s the last chance to get match-sharp before the Premier League starts in a few days.

We asked ‘Matt Busby said to Joe Harvey’ to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 0 Atletico Madrid 2. A game with plenty of talking points. The second of two friendlies within 24 hours at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United ended their preparations for the new Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side shaded the first-half but were undone in the second after goals from Julian Alvarez and Antonie Griezzman saw their Spanish visitors clinch the Sela Cup.

Aaron Stokes is our Newcastle United Editor. Born and bred in the north-east, Aaron left Newcastle in 2017 to work in London for Reach PLC's national titles. After five years in the capital, he returned to take up his current role at The Chronicle in March 2022.

Isak scored 23 Premier League goals last term as Newcastle achieved Champions League qualification, becoming their first player to reach that figure since Alan Shearer in 2001-02