Former MLS star Miguel Almiron scores on return to Atlanta vs. Chelsea

Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron made a marvelous return to Mercedez-Benz Stadium and scored in his return to Atlanta in a pre-season friendly, sending the crowd that exceeded 70,000 into pure exhilaration.

Before making waves in the Premier League, Almiron shined for the Five Stripes in Major League Soccer where he was key to their 2018 MLS Cup triumph. The 29-year-old had 49 goal involvements in 62 appearances in MLS in just two years, and Newcastle were quick to snatch up him for an MLS outgoing record of $27m in January of 2019.

It was a classic goal scored by the Paraguay international, as he raced past Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella and calmly guided his shot past Kepa to level the game at 1-1.

Although it was only a friendly, the fans in Atlanta couldn't contain their excitement nearly every time Almiron was on the ball. When Almiron was announced in the starting 11, his first touch of the game, and of course, his goal, all drew huge roars from the sold out crowd.

Inter Miami forward Josef Martinez, one of Almiron's former teammates at Atlanta United, chimed in to show his appreciation and support. After all, they were quite the duo in MLS, as Almiron often supplied Martinez with exceptional passes as he racked up goals during his time in Atlanta.

The former Lanus player enjoyed a solid 2022/23 season, scoring 11 goals and two assists in 34 appearances for Newcastle in the English first division.

Now, Almiron is set for a huge season ahead with the Magpies in their return to the UEFA Champions League and are set to push on under manager Eddie Howe.

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