Filip Ugrinic’s first Valencia goal the positive in Newcastle United defeat | OneFootball

Perseverance finally paid off for Filip Ugrinic, who scored his first Valencia goal in pre-season as they lost to Newcastle United in the final Trofeu Taronja at Mestalla. According to Superdeporte, 41,000 watched the Swiss midfielder shine on a hot August night.

Inside five minutes, Valencia’s high press forced a turnover, Jesús Vázquez, with help from Guido, won the ball and found the Argentine, who quickly slipped in Ugrinic. Given space by the Newcastle defence, he thumped in from outside the box, into the top corner, for 1-0.

It was his first strike for the club after more than 30 appearances, arriving in the last match of his second pre-season in Valencia colours. Alongside Javi Guerra, he drove the build-up and his 60 productive minutes were missed once withdrawn.

Last season he supplied three assists and often went close, usually with efforts from range. Shooting from distance is among his best weapons, he finds pockets near the edge of the area and needs little backlift, so this goal could prove a turning point.

There were positives despite the result. Ugrinic’s breakthrough stood out and Mouctar Diakhaby also returned to action at Mestalla after surgery, a comeback that may be significant in shoring up the defence.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”