Newcastle United vs RC Strasbourg

Newcastle and Strasbourg shared a lively pre-season draw at St James' Park, with the French side eventually claiming bragging rights in a penalty shootout after 90 entertaining minutes finished level. It was a tight, competitive contest that gave both squads a proper test just before their league campaigns get underway. William Osula gave the hosts the lead in the 38th minute, turning home a close-range finish after being teed up by Jacob Murphy. Strasbourg responded through Gessime Yassine, who curled a right-footed effort into the top corner in the 69th minute to level things up. With no further goals, it went to spot-kicks, where Strasbourg edged it 3-2 — Osula and Jacob Ramsey both missed for Newcastle, while Aladji Bamba's effort was saved, sealing the shootout for the visitors despite Mateo del Blanco also missing from twelve yards for Strasbourg. For Newcastle, it was another useful run-out with goals and good spells of control heading into their competitive fixtures. For Strasbourg, the resilience to fight back and win the shootout offers a confidence boost after a tougher pre-season stretch.