Newcastle United are taking on Atletico Madrid in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday and here’s how the players fared in the first half.
It’s been a long, hard summer for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe’s side are yet to even win a friendly in five attempts.
Goals from Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy looked set to earn a win over Espanyol on Friday but former Middlesbrough man Kike struck late on to ensure the game finished 2-2.
Less than 24 hours later, a completely different Newcastle starting XI is in action against possible Champions League opponents Atletico Madrid.
Newcastle looked bright with nice attacking interplay and controlled most of the half but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Here’s how the players rated in the goalless first 45 minutes.
Harrison Ashby runs with the ball for Newcastle United vs Atletico Madrid.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Nick Pope – 7
Parried one powerful strike from a tight angle and got behind a free-kick but otherwise was hardly tested.
Kieran Trippier – 6
Passing wasn’t as sharp as it usually is and he played his teammates into trouble with some wayward distribution. Made one crucial interception to prevent Atletico from taking the lead. Came close to scoring with a smart free-kick.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Jamaal Lascelles – 7
Given this is just his second start after so long out with injury, it’s a huge compliment that Jamaal Lascelles didn’t look off the pace against such a talented side. Promising performance.
Sven Botman – 7
Composed on the ball and kept Julian Alvarez fairly quiet in his return from injury.
Tino Livramento – 6
Out at left-back once again and it looks like he’ll be starting the season there as Lewis Hall continues to feel his way back to full fitness. Was beaten on a couple of occasions, with Atletico’s best moments coming down his flank.
Harrison Ashby – 8
Given a rare chance in a Newcastle shirt but in the unfamiliar role of midfield. Held his own with a hard-working performance and helped create one of the best chances of the half. Looked good when he got forward and has done his chances of staying with Howe’s squad no damage at all.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Fought hard against a tough Atletico midfield and was classy on the ball when it came his way.
Joelinton – 6
Typically rough and ready display, with the big Brazilian relishing the competition with Atleti. Still not back to his best on the ball and wasteful in front of goal, with three headers being sent past the mark.
Anthony Elanga – 8
Electrified fans with his blistering pace and scintillating skills down the right, especially when he carried the ball 60 yards to create Newcastle’s best chance. Was Newcastle’s biggest threat and ran his left-back ragged but a poor first touch cost him the opportunity to score after being put through by Gordon.
Anthony Gordon – 7.5
Looking like he might solve Newcastle’s striker issue with some excellent centre-forward play. Often came deep to hold up the ball and brought others into play, had good link-up with Elanga and smart movement in attacking areas.
Harvey Barnes – 7
Looked really sharp on the ball, with quick bursts of pace and sudden changes of direction fooling the Atletico defenders, but little effective end product.