It was the beginning of a new era for both clubs at St James’ Park as they paid tribute to a true great in Kevin Keegan ahead of the game.
Newcastle took an early lead through Anthony Elanga and Matthias Jaissle’s side were good value for their lead heading into half time.
Shortly after the break, Cody Gakpo bagged an equaliser, only for the home side to take the lead once again two minutes later.
Newcastle were just seconds away from securing an emotional win, but Dominik Szoboszlai scored a 99th minute penalty to ensure the spoils were shared.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Iraola was clearly frustrated not to get the win but lauded his players for not giving up.
"It's a strange feeling. Not the result we wanted but it's true, the way we scored the goal in the end, it tastes better. Still, we would have definitely preferred the win,” he said.
"We started the game the worst way we knew. Newcastle away, first game of the season, the atmosphere, they have very fast players and we concede the goal.
“They punished us and we had to go against the result. But we didn't give up in any moment. The energy the players, especially the substitutes, gave us, it was a good recovery.
"Once you concede the first goal, you need the game to go fast. You need things to happen when you're losing. We could control the game in the second half.
“We had better possession around their box. When we scored, it looked like we were the team going to turn the game but then they scored again."