Substitute Yoane Wissa proved decisive, netting a double that handed Matthias Jaissle a winning start in his tenure as Newcastle United manager, securing a 2‑1 comeback triumph over a reduced Valencia side in a pre‑season friendly. The match at the historic Mestalla, however, was nearly eclipsed by a frightening red‑card incident involving Valencia midfielder José Gaya, who delivered a reckless challenge on Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga. The foul was severe enough to see Elanga stretchered off in the first half, prompting a heated exchange between the two squads. Fortunately for the Swedish international, medical examinations indicated that his injury was not grave.
After a brief assessment, Elanga was able to stand and walk, suffering only a superficial contusion to his shin. At the post‑match press conference, Jaissle expressed relief, stating he was "relaxed" about the situation. "It looks nothing serious, so we are pleased. I hope it’s true and that he can be ready for next week," the German coach said, adding that his initial fear had given way to optimism as the medical team gave an almost green light.
The game began ominously for Newcastle when Valencia’s Filip Ugrinic opened the scoring in the fifth minute, delivering a stunning strike that put the visitors on the back foot. The early goal seemed to foreshadow a difficult debut for Jaissle, who had just taken charge of the Magpies. Yet the manager’s tactical adjustments at halftime sparked a dramatic reversal. New signings Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur made immediate impacts, showcasing the depth Jaissle hopes to develop this season.
Wissa, a summer acquisition, capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the score in the 52nd minute. His composure in front of goal restored Newcastle’s confidence and set the stage for the winning goal.
Toure, after a spirited run down the left flank, delivered a precise pass to Wissa, who calmly tapped the ball home in the 76th minute, completing the comeback. In the dying moments, Jacob Murphy attempted to extend the lead with a cross, but his effort went just over the bar. The victory provided a morale boost for a Newcastle side that had just seen captain Bruno Guimarães depart for Arsenal. Jaissle’s next challenge arrives on Wednesday when his squad travels to Edinburgh’s Murrayfield to face Everton, offering another opportunity to fine‑tune the team ahead of the competitive season.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie summed up the atmosphere at the Mestalla: "A solid finish to a productive week in Spain for Newcastle, and a trophy for Jaissle in his inaugural match as he lifts the ‘Orange Cup’. New signings Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur and Bazoumana Toure all showed promising signs. The travelling supporters left the stadium buoyed by the result. A standout performance came from Wissa, whose contribution could prove vital this season.
The club invested £55 million in the 29‑year‑old striker, and after a disappointing previous campaign, he appears to have rediscovered his form following an impressive World Cup display. This could mark a fresh start for him." Jaissle reiterated his satisfaction with the team’s health and performance during his press remarks.
"First and foremost, I’m delighted there are no serious injuries. Anthony, we’re happy – it seems everything is fine, and that was the most important thing," he said.
He acknowledged that winning builds confidence, especially after a demanding week of training, and praised the squad’s commitment throughout the camp. "We endured a heavy workload, so we deserve a couple of days off before we start again. It was a friendly, so we won’t over‑celebrate in the locker room.
We remain balanced; we know what we need to work on. Pre‑season is about development, not just results." The manager emphasized a measured approach, noting that while the victory was encouraging, it should not lead to complacency, nor should any setbacks be magnified. "We’ll analyse the match, identify areas for improvement, and continue to develop. Next week we have specific aspects to address, and we’ll focus on those," Jaissle concluded.
Overall, the encounter highlighted Newcastle’s resilience, the immediate impact of recent signings, and the importance of maintaining squad fitness. With the season looming, Jaissle’s early success, tempered by a pragmatic outlook, suggests a promising foundation for the Magpies as they aim to compete at the highest level.