Newcastle started their campaign in the Inaugural Sela Cup against Fiorentina at St. James Park on the 5th of August, 2023. Villareal and Nice also faced off for the same cup.
Newcastle United threatened the Europa Conference League finalists in the first few minutes of the first half, and then the game settled.
They tried again in the late minutes of the first half and finally got their break when Alexander Isak made a beautiful run before sliding a through ball to Almirón who slotted it calmly and passed Cerofolini in the 38th minute.
The visitors also had some highlights when the Newcastle goalkeeper punched Gordon’s strike away, after a brilliant run into the penalty box, just before halftime.
In the second half, both teams had clear-cut chances, but they could not find the back of the net. But just as the game was entering its last ten minutes, Isak found an answer.
Newcastle had a corner and Kieran Trippier went to take the cross. Alexander Isak headed Tripier’s cross into the corner to solidify his team’s lead in the competition.
Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the UEFA Champions League last season after finishing fourth in their campaign.
This would be the first time in a long time since they would play top league matches, even if they get knocked out in the group stage of the competition.
Newcastle will now face Villareal on Sunday at 4 pm as they bid to lift the four-team pre-season trophy.
After which, they kick off their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Aston Villa on August 12.
