Newcastle 0 Atletico Madrid 2 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players | OneFootball

We asked ‘Matt Busby said to Joe Harvey’ to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 0 Atletico Madrid 2.

A game with plenty of talking points.

The second of two friendlies within 24 hours at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe splitting his (available!) resources across the two games, defeat on Saturday following a 2-2 draw with Espanyol on Friday night.

Two second half goals giving the visitors their victory.

Newcastle United player ratings:

Pope – 6

Has his time as our number one petered out?

Definitely the least impressive over these two friendlies at SJP.

Having said that, Nick Pope was facing a better team than Aaron Ramsdale.

Trippier – 7

Still a class act.

I thought he did well and his rasping free kick might have beaten a worse keeper than Oblak.

Must have enjoyed his old team being in town and like Eddie Howe, meeting up with Simeone once again. Can those connections not get us Griezmann on loan?

Botman – 7

Steady as you go and the defence looked less organised after Sven departed on 45 minutes.

Lascelles – 4

We’ll be in total desperation stakes if Jamaal gets any game time this season.

He’s been an excellent servant and got his reward for not ‘doing an Isak’ when asked to hoist the League Cup into the night sky back in March, but let’s face it, he’s well past his sell by date.

Livramento – 6

Reasonable performance without setting the heather alight.

Hope he’s a lot sharper at Villa Park next Saturday.

Tonali – 6

Showed his quality, especially in the first half but when all of your opponents are replaced on the hour mark, on an energy sapping summer’s day, no wonder our Italian faded towards the end.

Joelinton – 5

Combative as ever but I’m marking big Joe down because of his woeful finishing in the first half.

We could have been out of sight at the break if our big Brazilian had converted half of those chances he fluffed.

Ashby – 6

Was pleasantly surprised at how Harrison Ashby performed, playing in midfield instead of his natural right-back position.

On this showing, he could be our next Sean Longstaff, although still has much to prove until he can be regarded as dependable as Leeds United’s summer acquisition.

Elanga – 5

Showed flashes of dynamism on that right flank.

He’s no slouch is wor Tony but the end product was lacking at times.

Gordon – 6

A 10/10 performance if we’re talking energy levels and commitment but if you’re playing up top, you need to stick one in the onion bag and he never looked like doing that.

Then again, a CF needs service.

Let’s hope his twisted ankle doesn’t keep him out of the side Eddie Howe puts out in Brum next week.

Barnes – 5

Faded after a reasonable first half.

Then again, so did most of his team mates.

Subs

Alex Murphy – 6

Looked okay and that’s him being partnered with Jamaal Lacelles. I’d like to see him alongside Schar or Thiaw (assuming he’s coming).

Alfie Harrison – 5

A bit like Friday’s game, unfortunately this lad made no real impact.

Leo Shaha – N/A

Came on too late to rate.

Final score:

Newcastle 0 Atletico Madrid 2

Goals:

Newcastle:

Atletico Madrid: Alvarez 50, Griezmann 63

Attendance:

51,584

Newcastle team v Atletico Madrid:

Pope, Ashby (Alfie Harrison 61), Lascelles, Botman (Alex Murphy 46), Livramento, Trippier (Shahar 87), Joelinton, Tonali, Elanga, Gordon (Neave 84), Barnes

Unused Subs:

Ruddy, Gillespie, Charlton, Kuol, Sanusi

Newcastle United pre-season friendly schedule 2025/26

Saturday 12 July – Newcastle 4 Carlisle 0 (Behind closed doors)

Saturday 19 July – Celtic 4 Newcastle 0

Sunday 27 July – Arsenal 3 Newcastle 2

Wednesday 30 July – Team K-League All Stars 1 Newcastle 0

Sunday 3 August- Spurs 1 Newcastle 1

Friday 8 August – Newcastle 2 Espanyol 2

Saturday 9 August – Newcastle 0 Atletico Madrid 2