Newcastle United are suffering with no recognised striker and it feels that things could yet get worse
Thiago Almada of Atletico Madrid is challenged by Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United
Newcastle United were beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid at St James' Park - on a day when pre-season frustrations boiled over at times.
At a time in which it is now clear that Alexander Isak does not want to play for Newcastle any more, the strain on the squad is starting to show.
That was summed up in the second half when Jamaal Lascelles squared up to the visiting La Liga side after a rough challenge on Anthony Elanga.
But by that time, the game was long gone and Newcastle's poor run this summer was completed. They defended poorly at times and lacked a bit in the final third when it mattered.
From here on in, it doesn't get much easier with Aston Villa away next, Liverpool at home and Leeds on the road. Signings are desperately needed but the conclusion of absent Isak's transfer situation must also be resolved.
Without Isak, or any other proven scorer, Newcastle look way short on quality, are they really going to walk into a new season, with their eyes wide open, without signing a striker?
United went in against La Liga's third place team from the 2024/25 season looking for their first win of the summer with Howe making 11 changes from the team that drew 2-2 with Espanyol last night.
The Magpies looked organised and sturdy at the back but with no recognised striker in from the start, they made it to the 22nd minute mark without managing an attempt at goal.
Newcastle conceded a free-kick 30 yards from goal with 25 minutes played and handed Atletico an opportunity to test Nick Pope. Julian Alvarez stepped up and curled it straight into the grateful arms of the Toon stopper.
The Spanish visitors then counter attacked Newcastle with Marcos Llorente making a potent run and cross into the danger area but Kieran Trippier cleared United lines on 27 minutes.
Moments later, Alvarez was also allowed space on the right before he slashed a low shot across the face of goal.
The game ticked past the half-hour mark with Newcastle unable to create a single goal attempt, with the worrying lack of firepower clear to see.
Joelinton slipped in Harrison Ashby, used as a central midfielder, on 33 minutes and he was able to earn a dangerous free-kick after being upended by David Hancko, who was booked for his trouble. The moment would finally lead to a shot on target as Trippier drilled a low free-kick at goal with Jan Oblak making a save low down.
From the resultant corner, Joelinton glanced a header wide at the Leazes End after Harvey Barnes' cross as Newcastle started to put pressure on the Atletico goal.
Joelinton had two other goal attempts before the interval, sending one over and one into the arms of Oblak.
The two sides went in at half-time with the scores level before Howe made one change at the interval when introducing Alex Murphy for Botman.
But Newcastle slipped behind five minutes into the second half when World Cup winner Alvarez slotted home after the Magpies were undone far too easily.
A sweeping break from the La Liga side allowed Alex Baena time to take a touch and cross for Argentina star Alvarez to poke home with his right foot.
There was a ripple of amusement around St James' Park as the visitors decided to make 11 changes for the final half-hour including France legend Antoine Griezmann. Newcastle in turn took off Ashby and replaced him with youngster Harrison Ashby.
It took Atletico a few minutes to readjust and quickly and it was Griezmann who netted to double the scoreline. After Alexander Sorloth had opened up a tiring Newcastle defence, he bided his time and rolled it to the Frenchman who stabbed it beyond Pope to make it 2-0.
Things boiled over with Jamaal Lascelles dragged back by team-mates after a hefty challenge on Elanga but the moment was a portrait of Newcastle's frustrations this summer.
Anthony Gordon also limped off with a knock late in the game with Howe looking concerned given his lack of strikers. Gordon headed straight for the tunnel but at least walked ably.
Newcastle did not manage to muster any meaningful response and even a week before the season kicks off, it feels like there is a lot of work to be done at the training ground. Let alone the boardroom when it comes to transfers.
Referee: Jarred Gillett (Australia)