Paulo Bernardo says Celtic have big ‘advantage’ heading into Champions League match with Slovan Bratislava

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Paulo Bernardo was speaking ahead of Celtic’s Champions League tie against Slovan Bratislava as the Portuguese midfielder looks forward to another European adventure in the Hoops.

Bernardo was involved in all of Celtic’s six Champions League fixtures last season as Brendan Rodgers managed to bag just four points from 18.

And whilst he looks forward to taking part in the revamped competition, Bernardo believes that Celtic have a big advantage heading into the game against the Slovakian champions.

Celtic supporters to make life ‘hell’ for Bratislava

The Portuguese U21 captain believes that playing at home tonight is a real positive for the team and has told the Celtic supporters to send Bratislava a ‘message’ when the teams emerge from the Celtic Park tunnel.

Bernardo to Celtic TV, “Playing at home has to be an advantage for us. I think that was the message that the coach wanted to say to us because if we play well and we do our best in the game, the fans will be with us.

“In turn, if the fans are with us, Paradise will be hell for them. I think it’s a great message. We always try to push the fans with us because it’s always easier if the fans are with us and they don’t boo us. It’s better for us that we are all together and they can push us to victory.

“For sure [it will be intimidating for Bratislava]. We are playing at home, our first game. We will try our best to win and make this stadium hell for them.”

Celtic Park crowd is crucial to Champions League success

The Celtic supporters are known all over the world for the noise. colour and atmosphere they bring to the Champions League.

Some of Europe’s best teams have come to Celtic Park and suffered a defeat, in part, because of the supporters inside the stadium.

And whilst no one at Celtic is taking a positive result for granted, playing at home will give Brendan Rodgers’ team an edge and hopefully the push and drive to get those three precious points that will help in the pursuit of qualification from the group.