Why Newcastle star could be too much for Union Saint-Gilloise to handle
Newcastle United are vying to earn a victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Newcastle were defeated 2-1 by Barcelona in the opening game of their European campaign, despite Anthony Gordon’s late goal.
The Magpies are consequently under pressure to deliver a positive result in Belgium on 1 October.
Newcastle lost 2-1 to Arsenal last time out and are desperate to get back to winning ways, with just one victory in their last four games across all competitions.
Newcastle ace Bruno Guimaraes achieved Champions League-best feat vs Barcelona
Despite Newcastle’s defeat to Barcelona in their opening Champions League game, Bruno Guimaraes made a particularly strong account of himself against Hansi Flick’s men.
The 27-year-old applied more high-intensity pressures to opponents than any other central midfielder on matchday 1 of the Champions League, with 70.
Barcelona largely bypassed Guimaraes’ intensity, thanks to the presence of talented midfielders like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
Contrastingly, Union Saint-Gilloise will not be able to cope with the Brazil international’s impressive pressing and could lose possession in key areas.
What Eddie Howe has previously said about Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes has been a key player for Newcastle ever since joining the St James’ Park outfit back in January 2022.
| Bruno Guimaraes vs Barcelona | Stats |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Pass accuracy % | 74 |
| High-intensity pressures | 70 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
Speaking about the midfielder’s arrival in 2022, Eddie Howe said: “That was an incredible piece of business, really.
“Not just as the footballer as well, you’ve got to consider the person. The person is a brilliant lad who came here when the club was in a relegation battle.
“You have to remember this. with no conditions, no way, out, no escape clause and wanted to fight to keep the club in the Premier League.“
Thanks to the midfielder’s continually positive influence, Howe will be delighted that Guimaraes wants to stay at Newcastle despite interest in his services from Manchester City.