Tottenham stormed into the lead during their final game of the pre-season tour in Asia, with Brennan Johnson striking inside three minutes.
It was an electric start to the match in Seoul, with Spurs – led by captain Heung-Min Son after announcing his imminent departure – striking instantly.
Some high pressing saw the London-club win the ball high in Newcastle’s defensive third before Johnson’s strike on the edge of the box, helped by a slight deflection, found a way into the back of the net past Nick Pope.
The game settled down after that, with the Magpies getting a foothold.
Alexander Isak’s continued absence due to speculation over his future meant Anthony Gordon was leading the line, and looking dangerous every time Newcastle came forward.
The Seoul crowd roared everytime Son got on the ball, and the 33-year-old had a few half chances as he looked to bow out at Spurs with a final goal in his homeland.
Towards the end of the first though, Newcastle got their equaliser.
Harvey Barnes was the man to net it, catching Antonin Kinsky out at his near post and striking sweetly to level the scores.
It left the match finely poised for what should be an electric second half between the Premier League giants.
