Bruno Guimaraes is just one win away from captaining Newcastle United in the Champions League next season.
The Brazil international was on the scoresheet as Newcastle took a massive step towards securing a top-five finish with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Sandro Tonali put the Magpies ahead after just two minutes when he converted Jacob Murphy’s cross before Chelsea went down to 10 men after Nicolas Jackson was shown a red card for an elbow on Sven Botman.
Despite their man advantage, Eddie Howe’s side couldn’t avoid a nervy second half, with goalkeeper Nick Pope forced into two big saves to deny Marc Cucurella and Enzo Maresca. It wasn’t until the 91st minute that United could really relax when Guimaraes’ shot deflected off Malo Gusto and over Robert Sanchez in between the Chelsea sticks.
Wheeling away in celebration, Guimaraes pointed to his name on the back of his shirt before jumping onto the advertising hoardings. But he wasn’t done there.
Stood alone in front of the Strawberry Corner, the midfielder pulled out the corner flag and lifted it aloft, much to the liking of Newcastle supporters, many of whom on social media have called the moment iconic.
Bruno Guimaraes’ agent sends message to Newcastle United
Guimaraes has already achieved legendary status on Tyneside after last month becoming the first Newcastle captain in 56 years to lift a trophy when they beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup.
In the hours after that famous victory, Guimaraes’ agent Alexis Malavolta wrote on X that the midfielder deserves to have a statue outside of St James’ Park.
He said: “Today I am sure that you Bruno Guimarães have become a Legend for the rest of history for all Newcastle fans! Your name is engraved and deserves to have a statue to immortalize this beautiful story. Congratulations to the whole family @brunoog97”.
And after Guimaraes’ goal against Chelsea, Malavolta has doubled down by posting the photo of Guimaraes lifting the corner flag with the caption “here is the official photo of his future statue in St James Park 39”.
https://x.com/AlexisMalavolt/status/1921555410332344829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1921555410332344829%7Ctwgr%5E076a5ad3512a909e33112c80676c8177de219b76%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newcastleworld.com%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fnewcastle-united%2Fbruno-guimaraes-agent-sends-message-to-newcastle-united-5122816
Bruno Guimaraes close to leading Newcastle United out in the Champions League
After lifting the cup, another feather to Guimaraes’ bow would be leading Newcastle out in the Champions League.
The Magpies face Arsenal away and Everton at home in their remaining two games of the season knowing a single win will confirm a spot in Europe’s most elite competition for the second time in three seasons.
What a special day!!” Guimaraes wrote on Instagram after the game. “Thank you, my God, for everything you have done in my life. One very important step, two more in pursuit of our dreams.”
