The Celtic connection to Spain’s last competitive defeat in 90 minutes

More than three years have passed since Spain were last beaten inside 90 minutes in a competitive match — and a look back at the Scotland team responsible shows a considerable Celtic influence.

Steve Clarke's side stunned Spain 2-0 at Hampden in March 2023, with Scott McTominay scoring twice to secure one of Scotland's most memorable results of recent years.

The achievement has resurfaced after Football on TNT Sports highlighted Spain's remarkable unbeaten record since that night. For Celtic supporters, the Scotland line-up makes for interesting reading.

Callum McGregor played the full 90 minutes in midfield, with the Celtic captain lining up against a Spain side containing the likes of Rodri.

He was joined in the starting XI by then-two former Hoops teammates in Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie.

Tierney was an Arsenal player at the time while Christie had already moved to Bournemouth, but both had previously been major figures at Parkhead.

Tierney and Christie were substituted during the second half, while McGregor remained on the pitch until the final whistle as Scotland completed their famous victory.

There were further Celtic connections on the bench, with Stuart Armstrong among Clarke's substitutes after starting the previous game against Cyprus.

Anthony Ralston had also initially been selected for the international window, although injury forced the Celtic defender to withdraw before the Spain clash.

McGregor was therefore the only Celtic player at the time to feature on the night, but the Hoops influence throughout Clarke's squad was clear.

Three years on, Tierney is back at Celtic alongside Ralston, with both going on to represent Scotland at the 2026 World Cup.

McGregor has since retired from international football after winning 63 caps, leaving that famous Hampden victory as one of the standout results of his Scotland career.

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