NafisaBruno Guimaraes played an hour as Newcastle United beat Athletic Club 2-0 in the Champions League.
The Brazilian missed training on Tuesday but was passed fit to start at St James’ Park alongside Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in midfield.
Dan Burn headed the Magpies in front in the 11th minute before Joelinton added a second shortly after half-time, as Eddie Howe’s side up to sixth in the Champions League table, level on the points with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Bruno Guimaraes reflects on Newcastle United’s win over Athletic Club
Reacting to the win, Guimaraes said: “We were not at our best but we got the result. We were consistent. I love how we played today. It’s another win at home and it’s nine points out of 12. We have to keep going.
“We started the game quickly and fast. The second goal was the key moment of the game. We should score more but we controlled the game and kept the possession. We have to keep it going because we have to improve our form away from home in the Premier League.”
On Burn’s goal, Guimaraes said: “What a guy, love him. We joked last week about when he would score and he did it today. He scored in a key moment. What a guy, not just a player, what a guy. My first thought was he was trying to pass but what a goal.”
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes plays through illness
Guimaraes was withdrawn around the hour-mark and admitted he was feeling the effects on his illness.
“For me, it was like something was holding me with 10kg on my back,” the Brazilian said. “For this club, I will do everything. I started feeling ill the day before we played West Ham.”
When Guimaraes’ quotes were put to Howe, the head coach replied: “He wasn’t saying that to me this morning! He said he was feeling a million dollars this morning. That’s news to me.
“No, I think in all seriousness, his character is undoubted. His will to play is so strong, so I did have a detailed talk with him today and he assured me that he’d be fit to produce the performance that the team needed, while probably acknowledging that he wasn’t at 100% fitness.
“That’s why we withdrew when we did, to try and protect him. But I think we lost a little bit when he came off the pitch, speaking honestly, and so that’s how important he is to us. I thought he performed very well.”
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