Match Report: Newcastle United 4 – 0 Girona
Date: August 10, 2024
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Competition: Pre-season Friendly
Match Report in a dazzling display of attacking football, Newcastle United thrashed Spanish side Girona 4-0 in a pre-season friendly at St James’ Park, sending a clear message about their ambitions for the upcoming season. The Magpies showcased their firepower and depth, with a stunning performance that left their supporters buzzing with excitement.
Table of Contents
First Half: A Dominant Display
From the opening whistle, Newcastle took control of the match, pressing Girona high up the pitch and creating chances almost at will. The intensity of their play was palpable, and it didn’t take long for the home side to find the back of the net.
10th Minute: The deadlock was broken when Callum Wilson found himself one-on-one with the Girona goalkeeper, Iñaki Peña, after a beautifully weighted through ball from Bruno Guimarães. Wilson showed composure, rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into an empty net to give Newcastle an early lead.
20th Minute: Just ten minutes later the Match Report, the Magpies doubled their advantage. A corner kick delivered by Kieran Trippier was met with a powerful header from Sven Botman, who rose above the Girona defenders to direct the ball into the bottom corner. St James’ Park erupted, and the momentum was firmly with the home side.
35th Minute: Wilson nearly had his second goal after a slick one-two with Alexander Isak, but Peña was equal to the task, the Match Report making a fantastic save to keep the scoreline respectable.
40th Minute: Just before the half-time whistle, Newcastle managed to score again. This time, it was a dazzling individual effort from Isak, who danced past two defenders on the edge of the area before unleashing a curling shot that found the top corner. The Swedish striker celebrated with the fans, solidifying his status as a crowd favorite.
Half-Time : the Match Report Newcastle United 3 – 0 Girona
As the players headed into the dressing rooms, the score read 3-0 in favor of the Magpies. The first half had been a masterclass in attacking football, with Newcastle looking every bit a team ready to compete at the highest level.
Second Half: More of the Same
The second half began with Girona looking to claw their way back into the match. However, Newcastle’s pressing game continued to stifle their attempts, and it wasn’t long before the home side extended their lead further.
55th Minute: The fourth goal arrived in spectacular fashion. After a quick counter-attack, Anthony Gordon picked up the ball on the left flank and sprinted down the wing. He delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where a perfectly timed run from Wilson saw him connect with the ball at full stretch, directing it past Peña for his second of the night. The crowd erupted, and the atmosphere was electric as Newcastle took a commanding 4-0 lead.
Girona tried to respond with a few attacking substitutions, bringing on their star forward, Valentín Castellanos, in hopes of sparking a comeback. However, Newcastle remained resolute, with goalkeeper Nick Pope making a couple of crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet.
70th Minute: Girona’s best chance came when Castellanos found himself in a dangerous position, but Pope was quick off his line, closing down the angle and blocking the shot. It was a pivotal moment, showcasing Newcastle’s defensive organization and resilience.
As the game entered its final stages, both teams made multiple substitutions. Newcastle brought on some of their young talents, including Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson, who looked eager to impress.
Final Whistle
As the referee blew the final whistle, the scoreline read 4-0, a testament to Newcastle’s dominance throughout the match. The players were greeted with roars of approval from the home crowd, who were thrilled with the performance and the goals on display.
Key Players
- Callum Wilson: The striker was the standout player, scoring two goals and proving to be a constant threat to the Girona defense. His movement and finishing ability were on full display, suggesting he could be a key player for Newcastle in the season ahead.
- Bruno Guimarães: The Brazilian midfielder orchestrated the play with his vision and passing, setting up Wilson’s opener and controlling the tempo throughout the match.
- Sven Botman: In addition to his goal, Botman’s defensive prowess was crucial in keeping Girona at bay, showcasing why he is considered one of the best defenders in the league.
- Alexander Isak: The Swedish international was lively, scoring a brilliant goal and creating numerous opportunities. His partnership with Wilson looks promising as they seek to form a potent attacking duo.
Managerial Insights
After the match, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “We executed our game plan perfectly. The players showed great intensity and quality, and it’s always nice to score four goals, especially at home. We still have work to do, but this is a great confidence booster going into the new season.”
In contrast, Girona’s coach, Michel, acknowledged the difficulties his team faced, stating, “We need to learn from this experience. Newcastle are a strong side, and we must adapt if we want to compete at this level.”
Looking Ahead
With this emphatic victory, Newcastle United will head into the new season with a sense of optimism. The attacking flair, solid defense, and depth in the squad are all promising signs for their supporters. Meanwhile, Girona will need to regroup and reassess as they prepare for their upcoming La Liga campaign.
The Magpies’ next challenge awaits as they continue their pre-season preparations, but for now, they can savor a night of thrilling football and a convincing victory at St James’ Park.
