Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo was back in action for the Portugal U21s on Friday, helping them qualify for the U21 Euros in 2025.
Bernardo is captain of the Portugal side and led by example to inspire his teammates to come back from a shock goal deficit away to the Faroe Islands.
The Bhoys star netted late on in the eventual 3-1 victory with a quality top-left-corner finish from the right-hand side of the box.
The win books their place at the U21 Euros next summer, topping qualifying Group G above Croatia and Greece with eight wins from nine so far.
In what will be his last hurrah with the U21s due to age, Bernardo will now test himself against the best young talent from Germany, England, Spain and the rest of the qualifiers in Slovakia next June.
Portugal have been runners-up in the tournament on three occasions but were knocked out at the quarter-final stage in 2023, with Bernardo involved.
They’ll fancy their chances of a deep run this time around.
Paulo Bernardo lauded for ‘true work of art’ on international duty
Bernardo is very well regarded in Portugal for his work with the U21s, and national outlet A Bola waxed lyrical about his Friday performance.
They said he “dominated the midfield and sealed a great performance” with his goal, which journalist Eduardo Pedrosa Marques described as a “true work of art.”
Reviewing the team’s performance, Marques singled Bernardo out as the man of the match with a player rating of eight.
He said, “Bernardo played as the most defensive player of the midfield diamond, but that didn’t stop him from joining in the attack on a number of occasions.
“The fact that the opponent lined up in a very low block allowed the captain to take advantage of the space and, towards the end, the cherry on the cake: a shot into the top corner for a true work of art. A great goal!”
It’s true that the Faroe Islands aren’t the most challenging opponent, but it’s still pleasing to hear that Bernardo is standing out and continuing his excellent form – especially with the pressure of being a goal behind.
Paulo Bernardo is on the rise at Celtic
After making his switch from Benfica permanent in the summer, Bernardo is now looking to establish himself as the club’s main man despite strong competition in the Celtic squad.
The signing of Arne Engels has made it even more difficult for the Portuguese talent to become a first-choice pick in Brendan Rodgers’ three-man midfield, but he has made the most of his opportunities so far this season.
Stellar performances against Rangers and St Johnstone have been particular highlights, whilst he helped change the game as a substitute when a goal down to Ross County last weekend.
There’s lots more to come from the 22-year-old, who still holds significant potential to improve and develop working under Rodgers.
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