Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães missed the club’s UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday due to injury. His teammate Lewis Hall had already made it clear beforehand just how much the Brazilian would be missed.

Ahead of the first-leg meeting at St James’ Park, Hall spoke to TNT Sports Brazil. The defender was asked about Guimarães’ importance to Newcastle, particularly in moments when the midfielder cannot play.

The timing of the interview matters. Hall’s comments came before the match, with Newcastle already preparing to face Barcelona without their captain.

The game itself ended in a 1-1 draw. Harvey Barnes put Newcastle ahead in the 85th minute, but Lamine Yamal equalised in stoppage time to leave the Champions League last-16 tie finely balanced.

What Lewis Hall said about Bruno Guimarães

Hall described Guimarães as one of the most influential figures in the squad, praising both his quality and his personality inside the dressing room.

“Bruno’s not just an incredible player, but an incredible person as well,” he said.

The defender also highlighted the Brazilian’s connection with the club since arriving in January 2022, a time when Newcastle United were still rebuilding.

“I think you can see in his performances and his passion how much he loves this club as well,” Hall explained.

Hall also referenced how Guimarães has grown into a leadership role at St James’ Park, eventually becoming captain.

“When he signed, the club was in a tricky situation. And now being our captain and a massive player for us is obviously credit to him.”

Bruno Guimarães
Newcastle, United Kingdom – 10 21 2025: Bruno Guimaraes seen during Champions League league phase game between Newcastle United FC and SL Benfica

Newcastle United missed him against Barcelona

During the interview, Hall openly admitted Newcastle United were anticipating a difficult night without the midfielder.

“He’s such a magical player. He does so many things in the game that a lot of people can’t do,” Hall said.

He also made clear the squad hoped Guimarães would return quickly.

“We’re gonna miss him a lot, but hopefully he can recover quickly and be back as soon as possible.”

Those comments were made before kick-off against Barcelona. Afterwards, the match itself offered a reminder of how important Guimarães remains to Newcastle United as they prepare for the decisive second leg.

Eddie Howe won’t be disappointed with his team’s performance, although how late Barcelona’s equaliser came, and how it happened, was something of a low blow.

Newcastle United are very much still in the Champions League tie, and will be hoping they can keep it tight early on at the Camp Nou. Building nerves in Barcelona will help the Magpies. The aim would then be to capitalise on that.

Meanwhile, Bruno Guimarães has been spending some time in Brazil as he fights to return. The midfielder wants to bring his return date forward, both to help his club also given the World Cup is on the horizon.

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