A friendly by Royal appointment as Magpies look to reign in Spain

NEWCASTLE United will play Royal Antwerp this Sunday lunchtime in Alicante.

The Magpies will play at the Pinatar Arena with the game kicking off at noon Spanish time with 3,000 spectators able to watch the game at €5 per ticket.

Newcastle’s game will be played over three periods of 45 minutes as it is classed as a squad match.

Benitez’s team will set off on Thursday for a four-day training camp which includes their clash against the Jupiler League side.

An announcement by the Pinatar Arena read: “Newcastle United have chosen Pinatar Arena to train from March 15 to 18, taking advantage of their Premier League break.

“The team led by Rafa Benítez will perform on a small stage with several training sessions and will play a friendly match.”

Speaking about the trip to Spain, Benitez said: “I am not very keen to go to Spain to enjoy the sun, because I have been there all of my life, so I never need to do that.

“Because 21 days is too many days without a game we needed to do something, so we have decided to go for four days to Spain.

“Not too much, not too long, no parties – nothing. Just to train, to be sure that we train after we have a competitive game and then we go back.

“The idea is to go next week, try to play a game and then come back.

“We will train and try to keep everyone together.

“The good thing is the complex where we will be is not in the middle of the town - so the players can relax and focus just on football.”