Newcastle 0-2 Atletico: Alvarez & Griezmann score to end pre-season friendlies

Atletico Madrid have signed off on their preseason campaign with a vital 2-0 win on the road at Newcastle United.

Match Report

The Magpies, who are gearing up for the beginning of the 2025/26 Premier League season, are currently embroiled in a battle to retain Alexander Isak.

The Sweden international has told Eddie Howe he wants to leave St. James’ Park before the end of August, after being left out against Los Rojiblancos, and in yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Espanyol.

Liverpool are preparing a final offer for Isak, if Newcastle can secure a replacement in time, with Spain international Samu Aghehowa now being lined up as a possible option.

Diego Simeone’s side piled more misery on Howe as they claimed victory on Tyneside via late goals from Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann.

After bringing in a host of new faces, Simeone’s team have struggled for fluidity, with defeat to Porto, and a draw against Rayo Vallecano – with Griezmann also on target in Majadahonda.

Simeone is looking to ease his new signings into the Atletico flow and David Hancko and Matteo Ruggeri both started in defence against Newcastle.

New trio Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada and Alex Baena all started in midfield as an indication over Simeone’s plans for the start of 2025/26.

The squad will now return to Madrid for the final straight of preseason planning with no further signings expected at this stage with Enzo Millot apparently moving away from a move to the Estadio Metropolitano.

The first game of the new La Liga season comes against Espanyol on August 17 before a home tie against newly promoted Elche on August 23.

The final game before the September international break is a trip to Alaves on August 30 with UEFA Champions League first phase scheduled to get going from mid-September.

Match Events

0' The match is about to start!

0' Highlight from Newcastle vs Atletico

5' Highlight from Newcastle vs Atletico

21' Match Event for Newcastle vs Atletico

25' Match Event for Newcastle vs Atletico

29' Match Event for Newcastle vs Atletico

35' Match Event for Newcastle vs Atletico

41' Highlight from Newcastle vs Atletico

50' GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Atletico (Julián Alvarez)

58' Match Event for Newcastle vs Atletico

61' Highlight from Newcastle vs Atletico

63' GOAL! Newcastle 0-2 Atletico (Antoine Griezmann)

Line-ups

Newcastle XI: Trippier, Lascelles, Pope, Joelinton, Barnes, Tonali, Gordon, Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Anthony Elanga, Harrison Ashby

Subs: Ruddy, Mark Gillespie, Garang Kuol, Alex Murphy, Leo Shahar, Alfie Harrison, Dylan Charlton, Trevan Sanusi, Sean Neave

Atletico XI: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Dávid Hancko, Gallagher, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Alvarez, Matteo Ruggeri, Johnny Cardoso, Giuliano Simeone

Subs: Griezmann, Koke, Lenglet, Sørloth, Musso, Galan, Molina, Aitor Gismera, Marc Pubill, Carlos Martín, Taufik Seidu, Jano Monserrate