Match Report: Valencia CF lose 1-2 in Trofeu Taronja

The 54th edition of the Trofeu Taronja preseason trophy game saw Valencia CF take on Newcastle United at Mestalla. The game ended 1-2, with Ugrinic scoring the home team’s goal.

Valencia CF started out with great intensity and dominated possession. The first chance fell to them, with Jesús Vázquez and Sato combining down the right flank. Sato crossed to the far post for Gayà, whose shot was blocked by a defender.

The opening goal was not long in coming, as Valencia CF took the lead with a spectacular goal from Ugrinic, sending a left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area into the top right corner.

Shortly after, Newcastle United nearly equalised with a counterattack that Osula hit just wide of goal.

Minutes later, the Magpies threatened again on another counterattack, which Stole Dimitrievski saved. Valencia CF regained control of the game and created problems, with Vázquez making a run up the wing and into the penalty area, teeing up Sato with a cross that the Japanese player knocked off-target.

Gayà almost scored a second for Valencia CF after receiving the ball in the box and shooting, but his effort was deflected by Botman.

In the 25th minute, a Newcastle United defender cleared the ball backwards, and only narrow avoided scoring an own goal.

Ten minutes later, Gayà was sent off for a tackle on Elanga, reducing Valencia CF to ten men.

Three minutes before the end of the first half, Javi Guerra created another dangerous opportunity, but his shot was saved by Hornicek.

SECOND HALF

Valencia CF kicked off the second half with a warning shot, when Guido Rodríguez took advantage of a free kick, received the ball in the opposition box, and smacked a shot that Hornicek parried.

A few minutes later, Wissa capitalised on a mistake in Valencia CF’s build-up play and levelled the score, making it 1-1 at Mestalla.

In the final minutes, Valencia CF regained control of the game. Otorbi launched a counter-attack and sent the ball to Arnaut Danjuma, but the Dutch striker's shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. The same pair combined again for another dangerous attack with a great cross from Otorbi, but Danjuma couldn't connect cleanly with the ball.

Wissa scored again for the visitors on the break, putting Newcastle United ahead for the first time.

After the decisive goal, Valencia CF tried to restore parity, but ultimately it was not possible -despite having a good chance from a set piece in the dying moments.

MATCH STATS:

1. VALENCIA CF: Dimitrievski, J. Vázquez, Pepelu (Aaron Mayol, 90’), De Haas (Aimar Blázquez, 90’), Tárrega (Diakhaby, 59’), Gayà ©, Ugrinic (Dieng, 59’), Guido (Íker Córdoba, 79’), Javi Guerra (Raba, 79’), Ryunosuke (Otorbi, 59’) and Hugo Duro (Danjuma, 59’).

2. NEWCASTLE UNITED FC: Lukas Hornicek, Sven Botman, Bamba (Wissa, 46’), Osula (Steur, 46’), Barnes (Touré, 46’), Thiaw © (Johnson, 72’), Elanga (Murphy, 39’), Woltemade (Willock, 67’), Ramsey (Joelinton, 67’), Pivas (Charlton, 67’) and Shahar (Miley, 46’).

GOALS: Ugrinic, 4’ (1-0); Wissa, 52’ (1-1); Wissa, 76’ (1-2).