Champions League pair set for St James' Park visit as Newcastle United make official announcement

The Magpies will welcome Girona and Stade Brestois to St James’ Park as part of ‘The Sela Weekender’ on August 9 and August 10. Both Girona and Brest qualified for the 2024-25 Champions League following impressive seasons in Ligue 1 and La Liga respectively. Newcastle will face Girona in a friendly match on Friday, August 9 (7:30pm kick-off) before a ‘winner takes all’ Sela Cup match against Brest the following day (4pm kick-off). Newcastle United Women will also play on August 10 with their opponents yet to be confirmed.

Newcastle won the Sela Cup last summer after finishing top of a mini-league including Villarreal, Nice and Fiorentina. A change of format this summer sees a one-off match against Brest with the winners claiming the 2024 Sela Cup.

Discussing the pre-season announcement, Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales said: “We’re excited that both our men’s and women’s squads will make their return to St. James’ Park for a two-day festival of football. It will give fans the chance to support preparations for a huge 2024-25 campaign.

“Welcoming Champions League calibre opponents reinforces the draw of Newcastle United across the top level of European football, and I’m sure each visiting club will play their part in creating a great weekend.

“We would once again like to thank our partners Sela for their support and expertise which will ensure that The Sela Weekender is an event to remember for fans of every club involved.”

Tickets are priced from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions and go on sale from 10am on Wednesday, July 3.