The Portuguese midfielder grabbed a brace as Guardiola’s men ran riot in Lisbon, earning a healthy advantage ahead of next month’s Champions League last 16 second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Returning to his home city, Bernardo put in a man of the match display at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and could even have claimed a hat-trick but for the offside flag.
And after spending 12 years at Sporting’s cross-city rivals Benfica, earning a victory in that manner was particularly significant for the 27-year-old.
“It was a special night for me. I came to play at my home city, the team winning 0-5, scoring two goals and having a good advantage ahead of the second leg, of course it’s a special night,” he reflected.
“I played for 12 years at Benfica academy. I’m a Benfica fan, so it’s always special to win here at the Jose Alvalade.
“We are very happy with this win and we want to face the second leg with the same attitude.”
The Portuguese international’s opening strike against Sporting will live particularly long in the memory.
Meeting a deep Riyad Mahrez corner on 17 minutes, the midfielder launched an unstoppable half-volley into the roof of the net from a tight angle to double our advantage on the night.
Raheem Sterling curled home an equally impressive goal just before the hour to complete the scoring, and Bernardo was delighted to see both himself and his teammate get on the scoresheet in such spectacular fashion.
He said: “Both goals were great [mine and Raheem’s goal].
“I wasn’t expecting to kick the ball that way, but it was an excellent goal. Raheem’s goal was also incredible.
“I’m very happy for both him and me for helping the team to get that good advantage ahead of the second leg.”
Victory in the Portuguese capital also saw City break new ground as the first side to win five successive away games in the Champions League knockout stages.
Despite breaking new ground in Europe’s elite competition, Bernardo and co. are under no illusions that we’ll need to be at our best to claim an inaugural title.
“It’s a competition we want to win. The group is in a very good moment, we are working really hard and we have shown we are at a higher level than even last season.
“We want to win all the competitions we are involved in, knowing that we are facing very strong opponents.
“In the Champions League we are playing against not only the best teams in England, but also the best teams in other countries too.
“Once again, we are going to try to reach as far as possible and try to win the competition. We know it is a special competition, it’s a very difficult competition.
“We will try like every season. Last season, we reached the final. Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but this season we will try again.
“We are aware we are facing very talented opponents, not only from England but also from the best countries in Europe. We will do our best to reach as far as possible in the competition.”
