Scotland 2-0 Spain: Scott McTominay hits double as Steve Clarke’s side stun visitors on famous night at Hampden Park

Scott McTominay was at the double as Scotland pulled off a historic 2-0 win against Spain to go top of Group A in European Championship 2024 Qualifying.

Steve Clarke’s side made the perfect start by scoring after just seven minutes. Pedro Porro slipped on the ball which allowed Andy Robertson to nip in and fire a ball across to McTominay who thumped his effort first time past Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the back of the net.

Spain grew into the match as the first half went on and Joselu came close to scoring an equaliser when he powered his head onto the crossbar.

Scotland had a huge chance to make it 2-0 on the stroke of half time, the ball was launched over the top to Lyndon Dykes who found himself 1v1 with Arrizabalaga but he could only fire his effort over the bar.

The hosts didn’t have to wait long in the second half for another goal, Kieran Tierney drove forward before hooking a ball across the box which fell to McTominay who made no mistake on the volley to score his second of the match just six minutes into the second period.

Steve Clarke’s side almost had a third in the dying moments of the game, Callum McGregor steamed forward down the right-hand side before picking out Lawrence Shankland who could only fire his effort straight at Arrizabalaga.

Spain tried to push forward as the game went on but Scotland maintained their brilliant shape to frustrate the Spaniards and see out a famous victory.

The result means Scotland top Group A with six points following their 3-0 win over Cyprus on Saturday, while Spain are second with three points.

TALKING POINT – IN QUALIFICATION DREAMLAND

The party will go on all night in Glasgow and why wouldn’t it. Tonight’s result could have huge repercussions on Scotland’s Euro 2024 hopes. After a routine 3-0 win against Cyprus, the lowest ranked team in Group A, in their first match, tonight was a test of a completely different magnitude.

Realistically, Steve Clarke will know his side will be fighting with Norway for the second spot in Group A and tonight’s scalp sends Scotland top of the group, three points clear of Spain and an already huge five points above Norway.

Scotland made it to the last Euros but the last time Scotland qualified for back to back European Championships was when they qualified for Euro 92 and Euro 96 – tonight Scotland fans will be dreaming of doing it again. An unbelievable performance and a historic victory.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – SCOTT MCTOMINAY (SCOTLAND)

The Scotland players did themselves proud tonight but McTominay will rightly take all the headlines. He grabbed his second brace in as many matches to give Scotland the dream start to qualification. His first goal was a well struck effort which with the help of a Spain deflection opened the scoring. There was nothing lucky about his second though, a sensational hit which gave Kepa no chance. A brilliant performance and a worthy winner.

PLAYER RATINGS

Scotland: Gunn 7, Porteous 7, Hanley 7, Tierney 7, Hickey 7, McTominay 8, McGregor 7, Roberton 7, McGinn 7, Dykes 7, Christie 7 Subs: McLean 6, Shankland 6, Cooper 6, Ferguson 6, Patterson 6

Spain: Kepa 6, Gaya 6, Martinez 6, Garcia 6, Porro 5, Merino 6, Rodri 7, Ceballos 6, Oyarazabal 6, Joselu 6, Pino 6 Subs: Carvajal 6, Williams 6, Gavi 6, Iglesias 5, Aspas 5

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

7′ GOAL – SCOTLAND – What a start for Scotland! Scott McTominay has fired his nation ahead after 7 minutes! Pedro Porro slips which allows Andy Robertson to fire a ball across to McTominay who thumps it home first time.

22′ OFF THE CROSSBAR! – Spain are getting closer to an equaliser. After missing the first cross, Joselu gets his head on the second and his header rattles the crossbar.

45+2 JUST OVER THE CROSSBAR! – What an end to the half that would have been for Scotland! A long ball is punted up and Lyndon Dykes gets past Martinez to go 1v1 with Kepa but he can only clip his effort over the bar.

51′ GOAL – SCOTLAND – Scott McTominay has scored again! Kieran Tierney drives forward before firing a cross in which falls to McTominay who thumps it home first time!

KEY STAT

Spain have lost a game by a margin of 2+ goals for the first time since June 2016 against Italy in the EURO (0-2) and for the first time in EURO qualification since October 2016 to Sweden.