Wissa scores twice as Newcastle beat Valencia 2-1 in Jaissle’s first pre-season friendly
Yoane Wissa scored twice to give Newcastle United a 2-1 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium in Matthias Jaissle’s first pre-season friendly in charge on 8 August 2026.
Filip Ugrinic opened the scoring for Valencia with a curling effort before substitute Wissa levelled with a calm close-range finish. The second-half substitute then put Newcastle ahead after Bazoumana Toure unselfishly squared the ball for him to slot home. Wissa had managed only three goals in his first season at Newcastle United.
Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek was comfortable on the ball and made a couple of decent saves but was urged to be more assertive with his communication and to command his area, rating 7. Right-back Leo Shahar produced positive attacking play, frequently looking to play balls in behind down the right and gained valuable experience as a 19-year-old, rating 7. Malick Thiaw wore the captain’s armband on his 25th birthday and delivered a steady performance, rating 7. Sven Botman had a nervous moment after a mix-up at the back that nearly resulted in an own goal but recovered, rating 6. Miodrag Pivas acquitted himself in an unfamiliar left-back role despite being a young right-footed centre-back, rating 7.
Aladji Bamba made his first appearance since joining from Monaco in a deal worth up to £34m; he looked composed, wanted the ball but was a little casual at times with a couple of passes going astray, rating 7. Jacob Ramsey produced a stunning clipped pass for a goal that was ultimately ruled out for offside and repeatedly drove forward during his outing, rating 8. Nick Woltemade, who prefers the number 10 role, struggled to influence the match and was sometimes easily knocked off the ball, rating 5.
William Osula saw a shot strike the side netting from a tight angle and had a penalty appeal waved away, rating 6. Harvey Barnes worked hard and was noted as facing a battle with Bazoumana Toure for a starting spot, rating 6. Jacob Murphy (on 38) attempted to make an immediate impression but some of his whipped crosses were claimed by Stole Dimitrievski, rating 6.
Yoane Wissa (on 45) was sharp from his introduction, took both goals coolly and was rated 8, with the report noting he is looking to build on some promising signs with DR Congo at the World Cup after a difficult first season at Newcastle. Bazoumana Toure (on 45), a debutant who joined from Hoffenheim for £43m, played a role in both goals after pressing Guido Fernandes, who gave the ball away for the first, and then laying the ball off for Wissa; he was described as rapid and rated 8. Mason Miley (on 45) was unfazed by the occasion, likened to his older brother Lewis and said to have already made an impression on Jaissle in training, rating 6. Sean Steur (on 45), 18 years old, was tidy in possession and constantly sought the ball, rating 7.
Joelinton (on 67) added bite after coming on, rating 6. Joe Willock (on 67) provided thrust through the middle, rating 6. Academy graduate Dylan Charlton (on 67) did not look fazed by the step up, rating 6. Henry Johnson (on 73) made his Newcastle debut in what was described as a memorable night for the 18-year-old, rating 6.
Anthony Elanga was a bright spark before being wiped out by a poor challenge from Jose Gaya and was taken off on a stretcher in distress; the club are hopeful it is not a serious injury after he bruised his shin.
