The Portuguese international struck a sumptuous half-volley into the roof of the net to double City’s advantage in Lisbon, with the visitors going on to win 5-0 in our Champions League last 16 first leg.
Bernardo completed his brace on the stroke of half-time with a deflected finish and, but for the offside flag would have completed a hat-trick in his home city with a close-range header in the second 45.
Asked for his thoughts on the midfielder’s performance, Guardiola said: “Always, I tell him, ‘Bernardo you are a perfect player’… (But) I say ‘you have to score goals to win games, you have to do it’.
“Today he scored one of the best goals I have ever seen, for the technique, for everything.
“Hopefully he can get confidence. For him it’s special, I always speak a lot with him about what Lisbon means to him.
“Lisbon is his hometown. He left years ago for Monaco, Monte Carlo after here and always loves the opportunity to come here to his hometown.
“Of course, he is a former Benfica player and supporter. He loves Benfica and to beat a rival in that way is special for him.
“He is unique. Many things are unique. First as a person. His mum and dad have to be so proud. He is a lovely person. He is so generous.
“When he plays he doesn’t complain. He can play in six roles easily. He doesn’t just play football, he understands the game.
“There are players who just play good with the ball but he understands every action and there are few in the world (who do that).”
Hear the City boss’ thoughts in full via the video above…
