Paulo Bernardo likely to start at Hampden in place of Reo Hatate

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The Celtic Star

·23 May 2025

Paulo Bernardo likely to start at Hampden in place of Reo Hatate

Paulo Bernardo emphasised that there was never any talk of winning a treble at the beginning of the season, as such high expectations are simply part of playing for Celtic…

Reo Hatate looks angry. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Following Reo Hatate’s injury at Pittodrie last week, the 23-year-old is likely to feature in the starting lineup for the Scottish Cup final against Jimmy Thelin’s side, although fellow summer arrival Luke McCowan will also be considered for a place in the team at Hampden.

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Paulo Bernardo. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

At Thursday’s pre-match media conference for this weekend’s showpiece final, the Portugal U21 international – named today in the squad for the European Championships in Slovakia – stated that completing a domestic clean sweep was not something that was talked about when he rejoined the club permanently from Benfica in August.

‘Celtic always want to win every title that they compete for’

“I don’t think we need to talk [about trebles], because Celtic always want to win every title that they compete for,” said Bernardo. “We are always here to win every game, and with that, we can win titles. Everyone wants to win titles, and Celtic is a really big club that can do that.”

Paulo Bernardo returns today. Photo Celtic FC

Bernardo added: “I am very excited, and I think all the players are. It is a big game, and everyone wants to play. Each game has its own history, but every game for us is a big game. We need to win every game, so we are under constant pressure all the time.

“It’s special because it’s a final, but we had a lot of big games this season”

“It’s special because it’s a final, but we had a lot of big games this season, and we have always given a great response, so we just need to do that one last time.”

Although he picked up an injury earlier in the season, Bernardo has still accumulated 43 appearances across all competitions for Celtic this season, contributing three goals and four assists.

Paulo Bernardo drives at theRangers goal, his shot is spilled by Jack Butland and Adam Idah scores the winner. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Since joining the Hoops in 2023, Bernardo has enjoyed consistent success at Hampden, winning every match he has featured in there. Notably, in last season’s Scottish Cup final, his surging run and effort on goal against theRangers led to Adam Idah’s decisive rebound, helping Celtic clinch a domestic double in his debut season.

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