Does Bruno Guimarães play today? Newcastle x Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League and where to watch

Bruno Guimarães, captain of Newcastle United, overcomes doubt due to illness and starts against Athletic Club this Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder commands the midfield in the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League, at St. James’ Park, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, at 5pm (Brasília time). His presence strengthens the English team, which is looking for its third consecutive victory after victories over Union Saint-Gilloise and Benfica. Athletic Club, coached by Ernesto Valverde, occupies 25th place with three points and faces absences such as Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams.

Guimarães records impressive numbers in the 2025/2026 season, with 45.98 km covered in the Premier League, the most among players in the competition. In the Champions League, he played every minute of the first three matches, with 90% pass accuracy and two assists. His physical recovery, after missing Tuesday’s training due to a virus, allows Eddie Howe to maintain his usual 4-3-3 formation.

The Brazilian’s impact extends to recent history, where he became the most missed player in the Premier League, with 100 free kicks to his credit in the last full season. This data reinforces its tactical importance, with an average of 2.26 fouls committed per game and 70% of aerial duels won.

• Assists in UCL: 2 in 3 games, equaling the European personal record.
• Progressive passes: 8 per match, leading Newcastle.
• Recoveries: 12 in total, focusing on high blood pressure.

Numbers qthat define the Guimarães season

Bruno Guimarães has played 357 career games, with 37 goals and 43 assists so far. In the current Premier League, he has scored three goals in eight matches, with a 100% penalty conversion rate. Its market value reaches 80 million euros, reflecting the central role in Howe’s scheme.

These indicators show a versatile midfielder, with 716 minutes played and 12 shots, four of which were on target. Guimarães contributes to Newcastle’s defensive solidity, which has conceded just one goal since the first round of the UCL.

Recovery and escalation confirmed

The virus that affected Trippier and Gordon spared Guimarães from collective training, but medical tests cleared the captain for the game. In midfield, he forms a partnership with Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, prioritizing quick transitions. The formation includes Nick Pope in goal, Kieran Trippier at right-back and Dan Burn on the left.

Coach Howe highlighted the durability of the Brazilian, who played every minute in the previous UCL. His entry onto the pitch avoids forced adjustments, maintaining an average intensity of 1.3 cards perhome match.

Best moment marks career peak

Bruno Guimarães’ breakthrough came in March 2025, when he lifted the EFL Carabao Cup as captain on the field, in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Wembley. That trophy, Newcastle’s first major title in 70 years, elevated his status to a club icon.

He described the moment as “one of the best days of my life”, comparing it to the World Cup for fans. Previously, in 2022, the brace against Leicester City in stoppage time sealed a historic turnaround. These peaks contrast with initial challenges at Athletico Paranaense, where he debuted at age 17.

Guimarães, born in Rio de Janeiro, has played 39 games for the Brazilian national team, with two goals. His leadership is reflected in decisions such as including the injured Jamaal Lascelles in the title celebration.

Expected impact on European clash

Bruno Guimarães plays as a pivot in the 4-3-3, anchoring the middle with 70% successful passes in recent games. Against Athletic, he aims to neutralize the Basque counterattack, exploiting weaknesses seen in the defeats to Arsenal and Dortmund. His partnership with Lewis Miley, the youngest UCL midfielder, combines energy and positional intelligence.

Referee Ivan Kružliak, with an average of 5.04 cards, requires discipline, an area where Guimarães shines with a low foul rate (0.09 yellow cards per game). Their high pressing has stifled rivals in recent victories, with nine goals scored by Newcastle at home.

Valverde, from Athletic, demands defensive compactiona, but the Brazilian can unbalance with precise assists.

Broadcast and audience options

The game broadcasts live on HBO Max and Space in Brazil, with narration in Portuguese. Subscribers access streaming in HD, and TNT Sports covers it in regional packages.

Fans add the event to digital calendars for alerts. St. James’ Park, with 52,000 seats, is packed for the duel.

Personal history drives the present

Guimarães overcame humble beginnings, the son of a taxi driver in Rio, to become captain at the age of 27. His number 39 pays homage to his father, and he speaks four languages, making it easy to adapt. In the UCL, he is looking to repeat the full six games of 2023/24.

The clash marks the historic third between the teams, with Athletic winning in 2010 in the Europa League. Guimarães, with an 8.7 rating in recent victories, raises Newcastle’s level to 11th place.