K-League XI Stuns Newcastle United in Pre-Season Friendly
This article recaps the key moments, team performances, and broader implications of the match.
Match Overview
The K-League XI, managed by Ulsan HD’s Kim Pan-gon, fielded a squad of top talents from South Korea’s premier football league.
Facing them was Newcastle United, led by Eddie Howe, who were looking to rebound from consecutive pre-season losses to Celtic (4-0) and Arsenal (3-2).
Despite high expectations, Newcastle struggled to find their rhythm, and the K-League XI capitalized on their opportunity to secure a historic win.
Key Moments
The decisive moment came when Kim Jin-gyu scored the only goal of the match for the K-League XI.
Displaying composure, Kim lifted the ball over Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, finding the top corner with a classy finish.
His celebration, a playful "reeling in the fish" gesture, delighted the home crowd.
Newcastle had a chance to equalize when new signing Anthony Elanga unleashed a powerful shot, but the K-League goalkeeper made a crucial save, with the referee controversially awarding a goal kick instead of a corner.
The first half saw Newcastle struggle with sloppy midfield play and defensive vulnerabilities, allowing the K-League XI to dominate possession and create multiple scoring opportunities.
Despite a slightly improved second half, Newcastle couldn’t convert their chances, and the K-League XI held firm to secure the 1-0 victory.
Team Performances
K-League XI: The All-Star team, under Kim Pan-gon’s guidance, showcased discipline and flair.
Kim Jin-gyu’s goal was the highlight, but the team’s cohesive play and ability to exploit Newcastle’s weaknesses were impressive.
The match also featured a ceremonial kick-off by a popular K-pop girl group, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the event.
Newcastle United: The Magpies’ performance was lackluster, marked by defensive lapses and a lack of attacking cohesion.
The absence of key players like Alexander Isak, sidelined with a reported thigh injury, and Sven Botman, out with a groin issue, further hampered their efforts.
However, young Korean signing Park Seung-soo made a promising debut, offering a bright spot for Newcastle fans.
Unfortunately, the match was marred by an injury to Joe Willock, who was stretchered off, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming season.
Broader Context
Newcastle’s pre-season has been turbulent, with this loss marking their third defeat in four matches.
The team’s struggles on the pitch, combined with off-field challenges such as a quiet transfer window and speculation surrounding Alexander Isak’s future, have increased pressure on manager Eddie Howe.
Despite a successful previous season that saw Newcastle secure Champions League qualification, the current pre-season form raises questions about their readiness for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, which begins against Aston Villa on August 16.
For the K-League XI, this victory is a significant achievement, marking their first win in five matches against international opponents since 2019.
The result highlights the growing competitiveness of South Korean football and serves as a morale booster for the K-League.
Viewing and Fan Reactions
The match was not televised in the UK or USA but was available for live streaming on NUFC TV, Newcastle’s official website, and app for £6.99, with additional access for Indian fans via the FanCode app and K-League TV.
Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments, with some Newcastle fans expressing frustration over the loss, while others remained optimistic, citing the pre-season nature of the match.
One user noted, “Newcastle lost 1-0 to K-League XI.
Hmmm. It is well,” reflecting a resigned yet hopeful tone.
Looking Ahead
Newcastle will aim to regroup as they face Tottenham in Seoul next, followed by home friendlies against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid before their Premier League opener.
The K-League XI, meanwhile, will celebrate this victory as a testament to their potential on the global stage.
As both teams move forward, this match will be remembered as a spirited clash that showcased the unpredictability of pre-season football.