Substitute forward Yoane Wissa found the back of the net twice, delivering Matthias Jaissle a triumphant first match in charge as Newcastle secured a 2-1 comeback win over a ten-man Valencia in a pre‑season friendly. The encounter at the iconic Mestalla almost became infamous due to a frightening challenge from Valencia midfielder Jose Gaya on Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga. Gaya's reckless tackle forced Elanga onto a stretcher during the first half, igniting a tense confrontation between the two squads.
Fortunately for the Swedish international, medical examinations revealed only a superficial shin contusion, and he was able to rise and walk shortly after the incident. Jaissle addressed the situation at his post‑match press conference, expressing relief that the injury appeared minor. "It seems to be not bad, so we are pleased. I hope it's true, then he can start again next week," the German manager said, adding that his initial fear of a serious problem had eased as the medical team gave a green light.
The match began with Valencia taking an early lead when Filip Ugrinic struck a stunning goal in the fifth minute, giving the hosts a nightmare start for Jaissle, who was still finding his footing in the Newcastle dugout. However, the German tactician made decisive changes at halftime, bringing on recent signings Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur, both of whom made an immediate impact. Wissa, a summer acquisition, capitalised on a defensive lapse to equalise in the 52nd minute.
His instinctive reaction to the mistake restored parity and shifted the momentum in Newcastle's favour. Toure, showcasing his pace and vision on the left flank, broke free of the Valencia back line and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Wissa, who calmly tucked the ball home in the 76th minute to complete the comeback.
The striker's second goal cemented the 2-1 victory and highlighted his growing confidence after a difficult previous season. Jacob Murphy added a further touch of class by converting a cross from Toure in stoppage time, although the goal came too late to affect the scoreline. The win was especially significant for Newcastle, who had just lost their captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, and it provided a morale boost ahead of their next pre‑season test against Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Sky Sports commentator Keith Downie summed up the atmosphere at the Mestalla: "A good end to a positive week in Spain for Newcastle – and a trophy for Jaissle in his first match in charge as they lift the 'Orange Cup'.
Some impressive signs from new signings Aladji Bamba, Steur and Toure. Newcastle's travelling fans left the stadium with a spring in their step. One major positive was Wissa's performance. Newcastle really need him to come good this season.
It was a huge £55m outlay on a 29‑year‑old, and last season was a nightmare for him. He looks sharp and is coming off a good World Cup showing. Maybe this could be a fresh start for the striker." Jaissle himself reflected on the broader picture during his press briefing. He praised the squad's resilience, noting that the lack of serious injuries was the most important takeaway.
"First of all, I'm really happy that there are no serious injuries. Anthony, we are happy, and it seems to be okay, actually – that was the most important thing," he said. He also highlighted the importance of winning games in building confidence, especially after a demanding week of training.
"We had a hard load, so therefore now we deserve two days off, and then we start again. It was a friendly today; we will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot. We're quite balanced; we know what it is about. Now it's pre‑season, and we're still looking to work on it.
It's just a journey; we don't want to hang onto that. The victory is higher than it is, but also we don't see the losses lower than it is then, so we should be quite balanced in our approach. We should just analyse the situation and develop from there, and that's what we're going to do. Now next week, there are things we need to work on, definitely." The match also offered a glimpse of the tactical adjustments Jaissle may employ throughout the pre‑season.
The early goal from Valencia forced Newcastle to adapt, and the manager's willingness to inject fresh legs and new signings proved decisive. Toure's ability to drive forward and provide service to Wissa suggests a potential partnership that could be vital in the upcoming Premier League campaign. Meanwhile, the return of Elanga, once cleared, will restore further width and creativity on the right side. Beyond the on‑field action, the friendly served as a showcase for Newcastle's recent transfer activity.
In addition to Wissa, the club has invested heavily in players like Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur, signalling an ambition to refresh the squad with a blend of experience and youthful energy. The positive performances from these newcomers have already begun to assuage concerns among supporters regarding the club's direction after a turbulent previous season.
Looking ahead, Newcastle's next challenge against Everton will test the squad's cohesion in a more competitive environment. The Scottish venue adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the team will need to travel north and adapt to different conditions. Jaissle's remarks about maintaining balance and avoiding complacency underscore his pragmatic approach to the pre‑season, where every match is viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a final verdict. In summary, the 2-1 victory over a shorthanded Valencia, secured by Wissa's brace and bolstered by the contributions of new signings, provides a promising start for Matthias Jaissle's tenure.
The incident involving Elanga, while alarming, ended without lasting damage, allowing the manager to focus on the positives: a resilient squad, effective tactical tweaks, and the emergence of players who could be key figures in the forthcoming campaign. The upcoming fixtures will reveal whether this early optimism can be sustained as Newcastle prepares for the rigors of the Premier League season.