Newcastle United have announced plans for the third edition of the Sela Cup.
The pre-season event that takes place at St James' Park the weekend before the Premier League season kicks off has been a huge success in recent years, seeing the likes of Villarreal, Fiorentina, Girona, Stade Brest and AC Milan Women come to Tyneside.
However, this August we'll see a European giant come to town on August 9th. Here are the details and club statement released on Tuesday morning.
Atletico Madrid double confirmed!
Newcastle United will host Atletico Madrid on Saturday 9th August, with Eddie Howe's men and Becky Langley's lasses set to play across two games that day.
The Women will take on Atlético Madrid Femenino at 1pm, with the Newcastle men's team facing Diego Simeone's side at 4pm, with ticket prices available from £25.
See the club's statement below, followed by Eddie Howe's reaction to this year's Sela Cup plans:
'St. James' Park is set to host a spectacular weekend of football as we welcome both Atlético Madrid's men's and women's teams for the third edition of the Sela Cup - and tickets are available from just £25.
'Taking place on Saturday 9th August, fans can enjoy a double-header featuring two of the most respected clubs in European football, with one ticket granting access to both matches.
'The action kicks off at 1pm BST with Becky Langley's side facing Atlético Madrid Femenino, a team that finished third in Liga F last season behind giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, and reached the Copa de la Reina final.
'At 4pm BST, the men's team take centre stage in their final pre-season fixture against Diego Simeone's powerhouse Atlético side - a club fresh from securing third place in La Liga. It's a clash worthy of the grandest stages - and a potential Champions League preview.
'With the support of Newcastle United's main partner, Sela, the Sela Cup returns for its third consecutive year - and once again, it brings world-class competition to St. James' Park. Having already welcomed the likes of Fiorentina, Villarreal, Girona, and AC Milan Women, the tournament's reputation continues to soar. This summer, the arrival of Atlético Madrid's elite men's and women's teams sets the stage for what promises to be the most electrifying edition yet.'
Howe: Atletico an ideal test
Eddie Howe believes Newcastle will face the perfect opponents ahead of our 2025/26 Champions League campaign, welcoming a fixture against an 'extremely talented' Atletico side coached by 'one of the best in the world.'
Speaking to the club's official website, Howe said: "Playing in the Sela Cup in front of our own supporters is something we really look forward to."
"St. James' Park is always special, but those games in the summer - seeing all the black and white shirts in the stands - are so unique. It will give the players an extra boost at a crucial time in our preparations.
"Pre-season is all about being ready, both domestically in the Premier League and for the Champions League, so playing a team of Atlético's calibre is an ideal test.
"They are an extremely talented side, managed by one of the best coaches in the world.
"We will have faced top quality opposition from both English and European football over the summer and it will stand us in good stead."
