Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes are lifting the Sela Cup during the Sela Cup match between Newcastle United and Stade Brestois at St. James's Park in Newcastle, England, on August 10, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle United will face Atlético Madrid in a friendly at St James' Park in August as the Sela Cup celebrates its third year. The club's main sponsors have announced the glamour friendly against the former La Liga, UEFA Super Cup and Europa League winners with the game set to take place on Saturday 9th August.
The clash gives Newcastle the ideal test ahead of their return to the Champions League. A delighted Eddie Howe said: "Playing in the Sela Cup in front of our own supporters is something we really look forward to.
"St James' Park is always special, but those games in the summer - seeing all the black and white shirts in the stands - are so unique. It will give the players an extra boost at a crucial time in our preparations. Pre-season is all about being ready, both domestically in the Premier League and for the Champions League, so playing a team of Atlético's calibre is an ideal test.
"They are an extremely talented side, managed by one of the best coaches in the world. We will have faced top quality opposition from both English and European football over the summer and it will stand us in good stead."
The one-day event will also see Becky Langley's Newcastle ladies face Atletico Femenina. Langley said: "We're really excited to be taking part in the Sela Cup again this year. It has become a big date to look out for in the pre-season schedule.
"Like AC Milan last season, Atlético are a huge name with exceptional players so it's a big test but one we're motivated for. We have another big season ahead of us in WSL 2. Matches like this will give us the physical test and type of experience we’ll need to be ready for it.
"Every time we have played at St. James' Park, we have received incredible support and we know it will be the same again in front of our outstanding fans."
The NUFC Women's game kicks off at 1pm before a 4pm start for the clash against Kieran Trippier's old club. Supporters will gain access to both the men’s and women’s game with all-day tickets priced at £25 for adults and just £10 for concessions.
Season ticket holders and Mags members can secure their first taste of European action ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, by purchasing tickets via book.newcastleunited.com from 10.00am on Wednesday 4 June, before a general sale commences on Friday 6 June. A number of hospitality packages will also be announced ahead of the fixture.
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