Newcastle United welcome Atletico Madrid to St James’ Park on Saturday in what should be a thrilling game in the third instalment of the Sela Cup.
Pre-season has not exactly gone the way that many thought it would, with the Magpies failing to win any of their fixtures.
It looked as though their winless run was going to end during the friendly against Espanyol at St James’ Park, but a late goal from former Middlesbrough man Kike Garcia confirmed that the game ended in a draw.
Friday’s game was the appetiser for the Sela Cup clash on Saturday, which sees the Magpies welcome Spanish giants Atletico Madrid to St James’ Park. The La Liga side finished third in the Spanish top flight last season, and could be one of Newcastle United’s opponents in the Champions League next season.
Atletico joked about Jason Tindall when the friendly was confirmed, but both teams will be eager to secure the win in what is a first meeting between the two sides. While the two teams have never met before, five players have played for both clubs in the past, including one star who is still part of Eddie Howe’s squad.
- READ MORE – How to watch Newcastle United vs Atletico Madrid: TV channel and live stream for pre-season friendly
Stars who have played for Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid
Newcastle’s game against Atletico kicks off at 4pm on Saturday and will feature the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.
The Magpies are without Alexander Isak, who is currently training away from the first team after confirming his intentions to explore other options this summer. Newcastle fans appear to be done with Isak and are now waiting for him to be sold.
In the meantime, Newcastle star Kieran Trippier could feature against his former club on Saturday, but he is one of just five players who have played for both sides.
The complete list of players who have played for Newcastle and Atletico Madrid is:
- Emre Belozoglu
- Fabricio Coloccini
- Jesus Gamez
- Javier Manquillo
- Kieran Trippier
Trippier has undoubtedly been the most successful of those five players, having captained the club and helped them win the Carabao Cup earlier this year.
Newcastle United fans will have a close eye on one Atletico Madrid player
While there are many big names set to grace the St James’ Park turf, there is one player who fans will be keeping tabs on throughout the game.
Reports in Spain have stated that Newcastle are interested in signing Conor Gallagher this summer. The midfielder enjoyed a fine season in La Liga, registering six goal involvements in 32 appearances.
Gallagher has played against Newcastle on several occasions while at Chelsea and during a loan spell with Crystal Palace, but Saturday’s game will surely have a different feel for him.
Newcastle fans love the idea of signing Gallagher, who could cost as little as £36million this summer. Saturday’s game could turn out to be an audition for the England international, who has now experienced football in a different country.
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