Bernard Is Atlético Mineiro's Last Link to the Historic 2013 Libertadores Final
Thirteen years after winning the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian midfielder is back in a continental final with Atlético Mineiro. Now, he has another chance to make history against Boca Juniors.
Thirteen years after winning the 2013 Copa Libertadores, Bernard has another opportunity to lift an international trophy with Atlético Mineiro. The Brazilian midfielder is the only player in the current squad who featured in that historic final against Paraguay's Olimpia.
At 34 years old, Bernard provides a link between two generations of the Galo. He helped the club win its first Copa Libertadores title and is now preparing to face Boca Juniors in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final.
His presence carries special significance for Atlético Mineiro, which is looking to reclaim continental glory after losing the 2024 Copa Libertadores final and the 2025 Copa Sudamericana final.
His Role in the 2013 Libertadores
Bernard was just 20 years old when he played for Cuca's Atlético Mineiro side alongside stars such as Ronaldinho, Diego Tardelli, Jô and goalkeeper Victor. His pace and attacking ability made him one of the standout young players of that Copa Libertadores campaign.
He scored in the 2-0 semifinal victory over Newell's Old Boys, helping Atlético Mineiro level the tie before advancing on penalties. Although he missed the first leg of the final against Olimpia through suspension, he returned to the starting lineup for the decisive match in Belo Horizonte.
The Cross That Changed the Final
Atlético Mineiro entered the second leg on July 24, 2013, trailing 2-0 on aggregate. Jô pulled one goal back early in the second half, but the Brazilian club still needed another to keep its title hopes alive.
With just minutes remaining, Bernard delivered. His cross into the penalty area found Leonardo Silva, who headed home to make it 2-0 and level the tie. After extra time failed to produce a winner, Atlético Mineiro prevailed 4-3 on penalties to claim the first Copa Libertadores title in club history.
Another Chance to Make History in 2026
Bernard left Atlético Mineiro shortly after that triumph and went on to play for Shakhtar Donetsk, Everton, Sharjah and Panathinaikos before returning to the Galo in 2024. Since then, he has appeared in two more continental finals, losing the 2024 Libertadores to Botafogo and the 2025 Sudamericana to Lanús.
He has once again played an important role in the club's 2026 campaign, scoring four goals in the Copa Sudamericana, including one against Santos in the round of 16. Now, he hopes his third consecutive continental final since returning to Atlético Mineiro will end with a trophy.
Atlético Mineiro will face Boca Juniors on Saturday, November 21, 2026, in Barranquilla, Colombia, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 PM ET. For Bernard, it is an opportunity to win the club's first Copa Sudamericana title and celebrate another continental triumph with the team he helped make history in 2013.
Bernard's Continental Finals with Atlético Mineiro
- 2013 Copa Libertadores: Won the title against Olimpia on penalties after providing the assist for the goal that forced extra time.
- 2024 Copa Libertadores and 2025 Copa Sudamericana: Finished as runner-up against Botafogo and Lanús, respectively.
- 2026 Copa Sudamericana: Set to face Boca Juniors with a chance to win his second continental trophy with Atlético Mineiro.
