Overview

• Atlético secured a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in their final preseason match.
• Julián Álvarez opened the scoring with a counter-attack finish assisted by Álex Baena, and Antoine Griezmann extended the lead after a long pass from Alexander Sørloth.
• Diego Simeone substituted the entire starting eleven around the 60th minute to manage workloads and evaluate six summer signings.
• The match allowed Atlético to fine-tune a high-pressing, counter-attacking system before their La Liga opener against Espanyol on August 17.
• Newcastle has failed to win any of its six preseason matches and continues to reject offers above €120 million for striker Alexander Isak.