Paulo Bernardo is confident that Celtic can assert their dominance and secure a victory over Rangers in the first Glasgow Derby of the season.
The Portuguese midfielder, who returned to Celtic Park on a permanent deal from Benfica this summer, is relishing the prospect of the upcoming fixture—a match he knows well from his time on loan at the club last season.
Bernardo has already experienced the intensity of the Glasgow Derby, having scored in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Rangers in the New Year fixture last season.
His contribution was also pivotal in setting up Adam Idah’s goal in the Scottish Cup final, helping Celtic complete a domestic double. As the two sides prepare to meet for the first time this season, Bernardo is confident that Celtic can walk away with all three points at Celtic Park.
Speaking ahead of the match, Bernardo emphasized the importance of a collective team effort. He believes that while the midfield battle will be crucial, success will only come if every player steps up to their responsibilities.
“I think every aspect of the game can win the game,” Bernardo told The Scottish Mail. “If we dominate the midfield but we don’t score goals, we’ll get nothing. Everyone has to do their job and play for the team. Then we’ll be that little bit closer to winning the game.
“We play as a team. We don’t play just as an individual or just a midfield. If Callum, Reo, and I do our job, we are close to winning, but the other guys have to do their job too.”
A victory over Rangers at home is crucial for Celtic and manager Brendan Rodgers, especially as they seek to defend their title.
Such a result would not only extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table but also deliver a significant psychological blow to Rangers and their new manager, Philippe Clement.
A win in this high-stakes encounter would reinforce Celtic’s position as the dominant force in Scottish football and provide a significant boost to the team and its supporters.
The challenge of the new season has been intensified by the departure of star player Matt O’Riley, but a victory over Rangers would alleviate concerns about his absence.
It would demonstrate that Celtic have the depth and quality to maintain their standards even without one of their key players. Brendan Rodgers has moved swiftly to reinforce his squad, bringing in Arne Engels and Luke McCowan on transfer deadline day to fill the void left by O’Riley.
However, Bernardo believes that if he, Callum McGregor, and Reo Hatate perform to their best, Celtic can secure the win without needing the new signings to make an immediate impact.
A win against Rangers in this crucial early-season fixture would send a powerful message to Celtic’s rivals and supporters alike, underscoring their resilience and determination to continue their dominance in Scottish football, regardless of the challenges they face.