Victor Boniface came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Bayer Leverkusen edged Newcastle United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at St. James' Park.
The defeat marked a frustrating home debut for new Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, following on from their 3-1 reverse against Everton in midweek.
Carles Martínez Novell's Leverkusen side made an explosive start to the contest, taking the lead after just 44 seconds in front of a stunned home crowd.
Christian Kofane set up Ibrahim Maza outside the penalty area, and the attacker unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the high centre of the net.
The Magpies gradually settled into the encounter and pushed forward with intent, eventually finding a deserved equaliser just moments before the half-time whistle.
Anthony Elanga swung in a pinpoint corner from the right, allowing defender Malick Thiaw to rise and plant a header into the bottom left corner.
The sides went into the interval level at 1-1 following an eventful opening period that also saw Newcastle forced into a bizarre kit change.
Martínez Novell's side regained control after the restart, dictating the tempo as the home side began to fade during the closing stages of the match.
The decisive moment arrived shortly after Boniface was introduced into the action, with the dangerous striker finding the net within minutes of his arrival.
Newcastle were unable to mount another late comeback in the closing minutes, leaving Jaissle with plenty to ponder ahead of the new campaign.
