The top two teams in the Scottish Premiership squared off at Ibrox Stadium on Monday with three U.S. men’s national team players featuring in the heated rivalry showdown.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Malik Tillman, and James Sands all featured in Monday’s 2-2 Old Firm draw between Celtic and Rangers, a result that keeps Celtic nine points clear at the top of the Premiership table. Carter-Vickers and Tillman both started in the match while James Sands featured off the bench late in the second half.
Daizen Maeda’s fifth-minute opener helped Ange Postecogolou’s squad take an early 1-0 as the Japanese international netted his first Old Firm goal. However, Rangers would flip momentum in its favor in the second half with a pair of goals in quick succession.
Ryan Kent’s equalizer came in the 47th minute for Rangers before James Tavernier’s penalty kick goal in the 53rd minute sprung Michael Beale’s squad in front 2-1.
Tillman created a golden opportunity late in the second half to ice the victory for Rangers, but saw his shot blocked by the sprawling Carter-Vickers. The 20-year-old attack left the match in the 85th minute as Sands replaced him in midfield.
Celtic would snatch a late equalizer through Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal in the 88th minute, helping the league-leaders avoid a first league defeat since Sept. 18.
Carter-Vickers won six of his 10 duels, while making five clearances, two blocks, and eight recoveries. Tillman was quiet for majority of the day for Rangers, failing to register any of his three shots on goal. Sands won two duels and made one tackle in his five minutes off the bench.
Canadian defender Alistair Johnston logged 90 minutes in his debut for the club following his transfer from CF Montreal.
Celtic remains nine points clear of Rangers in the table heading into back-to-back matches with Kilmarnock in league and cup play. Rangers will travel to Dundee United on Sunday before hosting Aberdeen in league cup action on Jan. 15.