The two Portuguese people will set aside their friendship to compete in a highly anticipated derby match.

Ever since their joint international debut as schoolboys, they have been Portugal’s brothers in arms.

However, Paulo Bernardo has had little trouble putting his friendship with Fabio Silva on hold as they get ready to play each other in an Old Firm match at Ibrox this past week.As recently as last month, Celtic midfielder Bernardo and Rangers striker Silva were playing together during a fruitful international break with Portugal’s Under-21 squad.

Both players were in scoring form as the Portuguese cruised to victory against the Faroe Islands and Croatia, keeping them on track to qualify for next year’s Euro Under-21 finals in Slovakia. Even as they celebrated their victories, the two were looking ahead to today’s huge confrontation. The Old Firm meeting at Ibrox might decide who wins the Scottish league title at the conclusion of the season.

Bernardo remarked, “We discussed it when playing for the national team last month. We were both saying it would be a good game. I want Celtic to win, and Fabio wants Rangers to win, so we’ll see.

We get along well together. When he arrived in Glasgow in January, we had a conversation. Then, when we got together with the national squad, we talked once again. However, we haven’t spoken to one other in the past week. Though it’s a fantastic game and we are rivals, I don’t think our friendship has died. Fabio and I are pals off the field. But for now, we’re only thinking about the game.

Bernardo and Silva have already found themselves on opposing sides of a well-known football divide. During their youth football careers, they were competitors and pals with Portugal’s top two teams, Porto and Benfica.

“We have known each other since Under-14 football,” stated Bernardo. He started his career with Benfica’s rivals Porto before spending two seasons there. We resumed our rivalry after he returned to Porto, but we continued to play together for the national youth teams across all age categories. Thus, we have been acquainted for a considerable amount of time.

The first player to arrive in Glasgow was Bernardo, who left Benfica in the summer to sign a season-long loan with Celtic. After joining Wolves from Porto four years prior for a reported £35 million, Silva moved north to join his countryman in January of this year when Rangers signed him on loan for the remainder of the season.

“I’m not surprised at how well Fabio has done,” stated Bernardo. He’s always struck me as a talented player. I believed that bringing him to the Rangers would benefit both him and the team.

“He’s doing quite good. Nonetheless, I hope he can let off the gas pedal for this game! Fabio is powerful and quick. He applies a lot of pressure. He plays well technically and finishes strong. Therefore, we must look after him when we play him in the derby.

Bernardo is looking to make another unforgettable experience after scoring a spectacular goal in his first game against Rangers during Celtic’s 2-1 victory at Parkhead back in December, while Silva gets ready for his Old Firm debut.

With a smile, the 22-year-old remarked, “It was a good goal, and it was nice to score.” I was surprised by the mood at the game.

“I knew going into the game that it was important. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was good. However, we need to get ready to repeat it. We’re feeling assured. Although we will prepare for this game just like we do for any other, it should be a nice contest.

Three points are located on the road. We compete to win in every game. It’s not the end, just one game. Although it’s a big game, I don’t think it will decide the winner of the championship.

“To win the league, we’ll aim to win every game we have left.” Every game is the same: in order to play great football and win, we need to best prepare ourselves.

In recent years, Celtic has dominated the Old Firm match; Brendan Rodgers has an exceptionally remarkable record, having only lost once in his 15 games versus the Ibrox team. Bernardo remarked, “That’s good, but every game is just one game.” “The past is what it was. Rebuilding is necessary for the future.

“We anticipate facing a formidable foe. Since Rangers are our competitors, they must be excellent in order to compete against us. So let’s investigate. The group exudes confidence. The fact that a few players have also recovered from injuries is positive for the team.

“The team benefits from intense competition for spots. Everyone will put in their utmost to perform well in football.

While it would affect his personal chances of being in the starting lineup, Bernardo was happy to see Celtic captain Callum McGregor return from injury.

“It’s good to have Callum back because he’s our leader,” he remarked. He is the group’s spokesperson. Although we have a few other key players, Cal is our captain, and it’s great to have him back. The time is ideal. Both our confidence and quality are increased by it. He is a superb leader in addition to being a fantastic player.

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