Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo netted again for Portugal under 21s last night as they beat Slovakia 3-1 away from home.
It was somewhat of a dead rubber for the Portuguese side, who had already secured qualification for next summer’s European Championships.
That didn’t prevent them from taking their foot off the gas, though.
Sebastian Nebyla scored early doors to give the Slovaks a surprise lead, but Portugal replied in due course. Goals from Carlos Forbs, Henrique Araujo, and Bernardo secured their win.
The Celtic midfielder, who captained his country, sealed the triumph in the 89th minute.
As Portugal broke away on the counter, Bernardo was in the box to finish from close range and ensure Portugal picked up three points:
— . (@g2REN84mtz54537) November 19, 2024
The 22-year-old is making a habit of scoring for his national side; Bernardo now has 10 goals in 28 caps for Portugal’s under-21s.
He will now look forward to returning to Slovakia next summer, where the under-21 Euros are being held.
Before then, though, the midfielder turns his attention back to Celtic, where a gruelling fixture schedule lies in wait between now and next March.
Brendan Rodgers will use his full squad—including Bernardo—for a run of games that he has previously described as an ‘ultramarathon’.
Things kick off this Saturday when the Bhoys head to Tynecastle.
