Paolo Bernardo hails 'crazy' Celtic Park atmosphere in win over Rangers

Celtic goal hero Paolo Bernardo praised the atmosphere created by the Hoops support at Parkhead after they beat Rangers to finish the year eight points clear at the top of the Premiership.

The Portuguese midfielder was playing in his first derby since signing on loan from Benfica in the summer and he marked the occasion by firing past Jack Butland to open the scoring.

With no fans in attendance the stadium was jam-packed full of Celtic supporters with 60,000 cheering their side on to a second victory over their city rivals this season.

Kyogo Furuhashi scored the second with his seventh Old Firm goal of 2023 before James Tavernier pulled one back with a late free-kick.

And speaking after the game Bernardo revealed that he enjoyed his first experience of the fixture, but knows they will now have to turn their attention to St Mirren on Tuesday to keep their advantage at the top.

He said: “It was really good for my first game against Rangers, it was really nice to play, the atmosphere was really good and I enjoyed it a lot.

“It was a great win for us and I was very happy to help the team out with a goal, but now the game is over we have to concentrate on the next game.

“I enjoyed it very much, the crowd was crazy so it was really nice.

“I always think I can score a goal, and I wanted to help the team with my performance. If we don’t score then we can’t win and that is the most important thing.

“It was a massive win, but we know that it will mean nothing for us if we don’t keep it up and win the next game. This game was really good but we have to make sure we stay focused.”

Brendan Rodgers’ side travel to Paisley for their first game of 2024 as they look to at least keep their eight-point advantage at the top in-tact with Rangers having two games in hand.