Bernardo: Celtic’s Previous Derby Dominance Is Now Irrelevant

Paulo Bernardo expressed caution regarding Rangers’ improved performance, asserting that Celtic’s recent superiority in derby matches will be inconsequential on Sunday. Celtic secured a comfortable 3-0 league victory in their only prior encounter this season, and their sole defeat in 13 games against Rangers occurred after the 2022-23 title had already been clinched. Looking ahead to the League Cup final scheduled for Sunday at Hampden, the Portuguese midfielder Bernardo stated: “We were dominating these games before but it’s another one. I think they are better now so it will be very difficult for us.” He continued: “It will be very difficult for them. I think it will be a very good football game to watch and to play, but it’s our mentality. Every game is a game.” Bernardo added: “They are in a good moment right now. So are we. So we need to do our best and play our game.” He concluded his remarks on past performance by saying: “That’s in the past. We can only focus on the present and be in this game. The past is the past.” Bernardo played a significant role in Celtic’s Scottish Cup final triumph over Rangers in May, making a forward run and unleashing a swerving shot that led to Adam Idah scoring a late winning goal from the rebound. The Portugal Under-21 international hopes to participate in Sunday’s match following an impressive start to the current season. “Everyone wants to play finals and enjoy the moment,” he said. He reflected: “I did last time, we won and enjoyed it a lot. Last season I won two titles, the first in my career, so it was a lot of good memories. We want to do the same.”