\n<\/p>\n
A lot can change in two and a half months.<\/p>\n
Isak was among those players celebrating in a jubilant huddle as the Champions League anthem played out at St James’ 76 days ago.<\/p>\n
Newcastle had just secured their place at Europe’s top table and it felt like the club had real momentum going into the summer.<\/p>\n
However, this has proved a frustrating window for Newcastle, who have missed out on Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and James Trafford.<\/p>\n
Then there is the Isak situation.<\/p>\n
It fell to William Osula to play up front on Friday and Anthony Gordon, who is a winger by trade, is set to follow suit against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Yet Isak’s absence, and a lack of signings, has not completely soured the mood on Tyneside.<\/p>\n
Saturday’s friendly is a sell-out and, despite this game against Espanyol taking place less than 24 hours beforehand, there were still 30,782 fans present.<\/p>\n
They already have an eye on what is to come.<\/p>\n
“Is this the way to Barcelona?” supporters in the Gallowgate chanted. “Bayern Munich? Lazio? Roma? The Champions League awaits for me.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n