Two goals from Kieran Richardson, the second a corker after a great pass from Stokes following good work by Carlos Edwards, saw off Atletico Madrid.
Stand by for some positive thoughts from Pete Sixsmith …. maybe tomorrow.
No pre-season victory, even when it is at the expense of a leading Spanish club, carries a huge amount of weight, any more than a defeat by a similar margin to a top Portuguese side suggests doom and gloom for the season ahead.
But tonight's was a good performance with plenty of encouraging snatches: impressive wing play, convincing defence work, good goalkeeping when it was needed and a classy second goal to kill them off. And still without any of the new signings.
Be realistic about the nature of the competition and achievement, but take heart – and yes, Bill (see comments) have a laugh at Newcastle United, too.
May I just point out that despite what the headline of this article claims, and my status as the younger brother of your star foreign correspondent, at no time was I in Amsterdam this weekend. Anyone who claims otherwise is a liar and a thief!
While we’re waiting, let’s all laugh at Newcastle!