Paulo Bernardo is looking to make another impact at Hamden Park when Celtic travel to the national stadium to face Rangers on Sunday.
The Portuguese playmaker, who was instrumental in last season’s Scottish Cup triumph, is determined to deliver again as Brendan Rodgers’ side aims to capture their first silverware of the season.
It was a moment Celtic fans won’t soon forget. In the Scottish Cup Final on May 25th, with the game locked at 0-0 and heading toward extra time, Bernardo stepped up when it mattered most. Surging past Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin from the centre circle, the 22-year-old unleashed a venomous, swerving strike that forced Jack Butland into an awkward parry. The rebound fell kindly for Adam Idah, who pounced to slot home the decisive goal, sealing a dramatic 1-0 victory and completing a domestic double in Rodgers’ return season.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Bernardo expressed the team’s collective drive to lift the trophy: [Celtic TV]
“Everyone is excited to play another final for this club. It’s a final, and everyone wants to play and enjoy the moment. I did last time. We won, we enjoyed it, and it was very good for us. We want to do the same again.”
Since arriving at Celtic initially on loan from Benfica, Bernardo has steadily grown in stature.
After starting off the season replacing Matt O’Riley, he fell out of the team, but is working way back into the starting XI.
It will be interesting to see if Brendan Rodgers gives the player his first start in a final at Hampden on Sunday.
