PAULO BERNARDO was the driving force to open the way for Celtic to claim the only goal of last season’s Scottish Cup Final against Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side at Hampden on May 25.
With the clock ticking down, the Portuguese playmaker eluded a challenge from Nico Raksin in the centre circle and set off on a determined run into enemy territory.
The on-loan Benfica midfielder, who signed a permanent £3.5million deal with the champions in the summer, surged forward before unleashing a dipping, swerving drive from just outside the box that bamboozled Jack Butland.
The Rangers keeper could only parry the ball to the side and that was all Adam Idah required to follow up and thump in the silverware winner to send the Hoops fans into raptures and put the seal on a league and Cup double in Brendan Rodgers’ comeback season.
ON THE RUN…Paulo Bernardo sets off on his powerful surge towards the Rangers goal in the closing stages at Hampden in May.
IN THE NET…Adam Idah swoops onto the rebound from keeper Jack Butland to sweep in Celtic’s Scottish Cup winner.
Bernardo is hoping for an action replay as the Hoops prepare for the Premier Sports League Cup Final against the Ibrox team at Hampden on Sunday.
It was the domestic honour that got away last time out, but the 22-year-old ball artist is hoping to play his part as the Parkhead men put that right.
Bernardo said: “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 and we enjoyed it and it was very good for us. We want to do the same again.”
Bernardo, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “When I arrived, Celtic weren’t in the League Cup competition, so I didn’t have a taste for it. But I have now and I want to win another trophy for this club.
“It was very good, like I said, and it’s very good memories from last year. This year is a different year, a different game and a different Final. We’re looking forward to it and I’m excited to be part of it.”
The classy middle-of-the-park performer scored his first goal in the east end of Glasgow in the 2-1 win over the same opponents only four days after breaking his duck in the 3-0 victory over Dundee at Dens Park on Boxing Day.
WALLOP…Paulo Bernardo thumps Celtic into the lead in their 2-1 derby triumph on December 30.
Bernardo unleashed an unstoppable drive after the opposition defence had struggled to clear a right-wing corner-kick. The ball fell to the Portuguese ace on the edge of the box and he first-timed a glorious effort past the helpless Butland.
Kyogo Furuhashi claimed the second on the day another three points were added to the total on the club’ way to a third successive title.
Bernardo is keen for the action to get underway at the national stadium and added: “It’s two really big clubs, it’s a historical match, so it’s always good to play these games.
“It’s one more game, it’s a Final and it’s a big game, but we just need to do the simple things and work as hard as possible.
“We were dominating these games before, but I think they’re better now, so I think it will be very difficult for us – and it will be very difficult for them!”
