DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa scored twice in the second half as Newcastle United came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Mestalla.
Wissa, introduced at half-time, turned the game in Newcastle’s favour with goals in the 52nd and 76th minutes, giving new manager Matthias Jaissle a winning start in his first match in charge of the Premier League club.
The result came after Newcastle had endured a difficult opening to the match, with Valencia taking the lead early in the first half.
Filip Ugrinic put the Spanish side ahead in the fifth minute, leaving Jaissle facing an immediate test in his first appearance in the Newcastle dugout.
The game was also overshadowed by an injury to Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga, who was carried off during the first half following a challenge from Valencia captain Jose Gaya.
Elanga was later seen walking after suffering a contusion to his shin, with the injury not initially appearing to be serious.
Newcastle were able to recover after the break, with Wissa emerging as the key figure in the comeback.
The DR Congo international equalised seven minutes into the second half after capitalising on a mistake to bring Newcastle level.
The forward then completed the turnaround in the 76th minute, converting from close range after new signing Bazoumana Toure had broken through the Valencia defence and unselfishly supplied the final pass.
The brace underlined Wissa’s importance to Newcastle as preparations continue for the new Premier League season.
The forward’s contribution was particularly significant given that he had entered the match only at the beginning of the second half. His two goals changed the course of a game that had initially appeared to be going Valencia’s way.
Toure was also among Newcastle’s impressive performers after coming on, while fellow new signing Sean Steur contributed to the team’s improved display after the interval.
Toure could have created another goal late in the match after producing more good work on the left, but Jacob Murphy was unable to turn his cross into a third Newcastle goal during stoppage time.
The victory nevertheless completed an encouraging comeback for Jaissle, who had seen his side fall behind and lose Elanga to injury before half-time.
For Wissa, the performance provides an important boost ahead of the new campaign.
The 28-year-old DR Congo international demonstrated his ability to take chances and influence a match in a short period.
His second-half display also gives Jaissle another reason to consider him as preparations continue for the competitive season.
The friendly was Newcastle’s first match under Jaissle, making the comeback victory a positive start for the new manager despite the early setbacks.
