Newcastle United earned their second friendly win in nine days after recording a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano at St James' Park. The Magpies took the lead early on through a well-taken Sean Longstaff strike.
Chris Wood doubled the lead from the penalty spot after the interval, rifling his spot-kick into the top corner at the Gallowgate End. Matt Targett soon had the ball in the back of his own net to give the away side a glimmer of hope.
However, Eddie Howe's side held out to take another win ahead of the clash with Bournemouth on Tuesday. Here are the moments you may have missed.
READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Rayo Vallecano highlights
Lejeune's return
Florain Lejeune returned to Newcastle after his emotional exit under Steve Bruce and was given a warm welcome by his former fans, team-mates and staff members. The defender was seen shaking hands with doormen and receptionists who he used to see frequently, before Eddie Howe went over and shook his hand as he was being introduced from the subs bench.
Before kick-off, Lejeune had a particular long catch up with Allan Saint-Maximin. The French pair were deep in conversation for a good few minutes before the end of the pre-match warm-ups.
Lejeune received a nice welcome back from the 35,000 supporters inside St James' Park. Earlier this week he spoke to Chronicle Live's Ciaran Kelly about his Tyneside departure.
Special guest invited
As mentioned, almost 35,000 supporters poured into the stadium on a chilly Saturday afternoon to watch the friendly. And there was one very special guest sitting pretty close to the action.
Mark Allison, otherwise known as Run Geordie Run, was in the press box - just days after he answered the club's extremely late call to be the NUFC TV commentator for the Al-Hilal win (despite having no previous experience).
Allison is a lifelong Newcastle fan and received plenty of handshakes and warm words as he watched the Magpies record the 2-1 victory.
Incredible away support
A smattering of Rayo Vallecano fans made the trip from Spain but boy did they make some noise. The travelling support were in full voice throughout the tie and had arrived with a number of banners, scarves and strips.
Making that sort of trip over to England for a friendly, in this weather, one week before Christmas deserves some praise. Plenty of Newcastle fans were quick to say nice words about the travelling contingent on social media.
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