Substitute forward Yoane Wissa proved decisive, netting two goals to secure a 2-1 comeback win for Matthias Jaissle's Newcastle side in a pre‑season friendly against a Valencia team reduced to ten men. The match, played at the historic Mestalla, was almost eclipsed by a dramatic red‑card incident involving Jose Gaya, who delivered a horror tackle on Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga. The challenge was severe enough to see Elanga stretchered off in the first half, prompting a heated confrontation between the two squads.
Fortunately for the Swedish international, post‑match medical checks indicated that his injury was not serious. Elanga was later seen standing and walking after suffering a shin contusion, and Jaissle expressed relief at the press conference, stating that the medical team had given a largely positive assessment.
"It looks like nothing serious, so we are pleased. I hope it’s true and he can be ready for next week," the German coach said, adding that his initial fear had given way to a more relaxed outlook. The opening goal came early, with Valencia’s Filip Ugrinic striking in the fifth minute, putting the visitors on the back foot and creating a nightmare scenario for Jaissle at the start of his tenure. However, the manager’s tactical adjustments at halftime sparked a turnaround.
New signings Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur made immediate impacts, while Wissa, who joined Newcastle last summer, seized upon a defensive lapse to level the scores in the 52nd minute. Toure then demonstrated his pace and vision, breaking away from the Valencia back line and delivering a precise pass to Wissa, who calmly slotted the ball home in the 76th minute to complete the comeback. A further chance fell to Jacob Murphy in stoppage time, who headed Toure’s cross just wide, underscoring the attacking threat Newcastle now possess. The victory offered a morale boost, especially after the club’s captain Bruno Guimaraes departed for Arsenal earlier in the day.
Jaissle’s next pre‑season challenge will be a fixture against Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, providing another opportunity to assess his squad’s progress. Sky Sports correspondent Keith Downie summed up the evening from the Mestalla: "A positive finish to a fruitful week in Spain for Newcastle, with Jaissle lifting the 'Orange Cup' in his first match in charge. The new arrivals Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur and Bazoumana Toure all showed promising signs, and the travelling supporters left with smiles on their faces. Wissa’s performance was a standout – the club invested £55 million in the 29‑year‑old striker, and after a difficult previous season he looks sharp, fresh from a good World Cup showing.
This could mark a new chapter for him." Jaissle himself reflected on the broader picture during his post‑match interview. He began by confirming that there were no serious injuries, emphasizing that Elanga’s condition was satisfactory. He highlighted the importance of winning for confidence but also noted the demanding schedule the team had endured.
"The players have shown pure commitment in every session," he said. "We’ve had a heavy workload, so a couple of days off are well‑earned before we start again." He cautioned against over‑celebrating a friendly, reminding everyone that the primary focus remains on preparation. "We are balanced, we understand what we need to do. It’s pre‑season, and we are still working on the fundamentals.
This is a journey, and we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. The win is encouraging, but we must stay grounded and continue to analyse and improve. Next week we have specific areas to address, and we’ll keep building from here," Jaissle concluded.
Overall, the match showcased Newcastle’s depth and the immediate impact of recent signings. Wissa’s brace, Toure’s creativity, and Steur’s energy all point to a squad that is beginning to gel under Jaissle’s leadership. The incident with Elanga, while alarming, ended without lasting damage, allowing the team to focus on the positives. As the pre‑season schedule progresses, Newcastle will aim to refine their tactics, integrate new players, and maintain the momentum generated by this hard‑earned victory over a resilient Valencia side.