Bruno Guimaraes leads by example with battling display in Newcastle win over Fulham | OneFootball

Newcastle United claimed a pulsating 2-1 win over Fulham in the EFL Cup quarter-final as the Magpies progressed to the semi-finals, bidding to retain their title.

Summer signing Yoane Wissa bagged just minutes into his full debut to give the Toons a glimpse of what they have been missing.

The visitors equalised, but Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley scored late to seal the victory for the Tyneside club.

Newcastle are coming off a demoralising 1-0 loss to their arch-rivals and needed to deliver a response.

It wasn’t pretty, but they ground out a significant victory that keeps them on course for another Wembley appearance.

After the weekend loss, NUFC captain Bruno Guimaraes gave a stinging post-match assessment of the performance.

Guimaraes also issued a rallying cry to his teammates ahead of the coming games.

The Brazilian led by example as Newcastle battled past the stubborn Cottagers at St James’ Park.

He won 6/13 duels, made one clearance, completed 57/67 passes, and played a key pass.

It was by no means a vintage display, but Guimaraes, who is an ‘outstanding player and leader’, toiled relentlessly for the Geordies as they earned their place in the semi-final.

Newcastle will face Manchester City, who progressed with a controlled 2–0 win over Brentford. The first leg is in Tyneside while the return leg is at the Etihad Stadium.

On the other side of the semi-final draw, Chelsea take on next week’s winner of the Arsenal versus Crystal Palace clash.

The first legs of both semi-finals will be played in the week commencing January 12, with the return fixtures scheduled for the week beginning February 2.

The final will take place on Sunday, March 22.

Unfortunately, the Magpies could be without defender Tino Livramento for those games after he picked up what appears to be another serious injury.

His absence adds to Newcastle’s woes at the back, which have left them paper-thin.