“We want to do the same again,” Paulo Bernardo eyes more Hampden Glory | OneFootball

Paulo Bernardo reckons Celtic cannot look at past results against theRangers and must remain fully focused ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated Premier Sports Cup final against their city rivals…

Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo in training yesterday ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final against theRangers. Photo Celtic FC

The 21 years-old Portuguese midfielder was an integral part in Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph over Philippe Clement’s side back in May at Hampden Park which secured a league and cup double for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

It was Bernardo who evaded Nico Raskin in the middle of the pitch, drove 20 yards before hitting a powerful strike which caught Jack Butland off guard. The English goalkeeper spilled the ball into Adam Idah’s path who clinched Celtic a famous 42nd Scottish Cup trophy.

Since arriving from Benfica in the summer permanently, the Portuguese u21 skipper has found it difficult to maintain a consistent role in the Celtic starting XI, but with his form the best it’s been in Hoops colours, there is no question he will have a huge say in proceedings tomorrow afternoon.

Celtic are unbeaten in their last six games against theRangers, and have been victorious in their last three outings versus their rivals. Brendan Rodgers will also be aiming for a lucky number 13th win at the national stadium as the Irishman attempts to lift his 10th trophy as Celtic manager across his trophy-laden two spells.

Paulo Bernardo of Celtic takes a free kick during the UEFA Champions League match between GNK Dinamo and Celtic at Stadion Maksimir on December 10, 2024. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

However, Paulo Bernardo insists he and his teammates are not looking at past results as a barometer on how matters will play out at Hampden tomorrow.

“We try to do our best in every game. It’s a final against (the)Rangers, and we were dominating these games before, but it’s another one, and I think they are better now,” Paulo said.

“I think it will be very difficult for us but also very difficult for them. It’ll be a good football game to watch and to play but it’s our mentality, I think. They are in a good moment right now but so are we. We need to play our game and do our best.”

“Other results are in the past and we can only focus on the present and this game. The past is past and we can learn from it to repeat what we did well and change what was not so good.”

When asked about his memories in May’s sweet 1-0 triumph over theRangers, the midfield playmaker outlined: “It was just really good to win so it was a good memory. Last season I won the first two titles in my career so to end last season with the trophy after all the hard work that we did was very good.”

Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring the third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Ross County FC at Celtic Park on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“It’s a final, and I think everyone wants to play in the finals and enjoy the moment. I did last time and we won. It was very good for us and we want to do the same again.”

Conor Spence

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