Atlético de Madrid closed its summer programme with a 2–0 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday, using the Sela Cup fixture as a final rehearsal before the start of the LaLiga season. Recent signing Julian Alvarez put Diego Simeone’s side ahead five minutes after the interval, finishing a counter-attack launched by Conor Gallagher. Twelve minutes later Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead with an outside-of-the-boot shot from the edge of the area. The visitors made wholesale changes on the hour but continued to control play, limiting Newcastle to few chances and preserving a clean sheet for goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The Magpies, who have yet to win in pre-season, fielded a line-up expected to resemble their Premier League opener. Atlético travel to Espanyol on 17 August for their LaLiga debut, while Eddie Howe’s Newcastle conclude preparations next week against Fiorentina.