Serbia bowed to the European champions. Veljko Paunović’s side lost to Spain in Villarreal 3–0 (2–0) in their first March test and a fresh start, after which it is clear that the head coach has a demanding job ahead.
The difference in class between the two teams was evident even before the match, as well as the gap between Serbia and the very elite of world football at this moment. The Eagles were not exactly a punching bag—they came out at La Cerámica with an open approach, trying to play and impose their idea—but Spain simply showed how powerful they are and why they are among the favorites for the upcoming World Cup.
With three moments of brilliance, led by a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal from substitute Víctor Muñoz, alongside the brilliance of the world’s best player at the moment, Lamine Yamal, La Roja outplayed Serbia, which now has to turn to easier tests starting Tuesday against Saudi Arabia in Bačka Topola. That match may give a clearer picture of where this team stands at the moment.
It was clear even before kickoff that Spain is currently too big a challenge for Serbia, especially in a new rebuilding phase, even for more established national teams. However, Paunović tried to meet them with an open stance, not dropping into a deep block, although the opponent sometimes forced that approach. The start was even promising—Serbia tried to build counterattacks through passing and looked competitive. But one move was enough for Spain to show their mastery, perhaps too early.
In the 16th minute, Yamal took control. He broke the Serbian lines with a pass through the middle, Fermín López found space unmarked, Álex Baena let the ball run, and Oyarzabal finished a clear chance. The positional rotations were impossible for any defense in the world—1–0.
Yamal already hit the post in the next attack, constantly troubling Aleksa Terzić and everyone on the right side, clearly showing it would be his night. Still, the Eagles did not abandon their idea of trying to match Spain technically, even though the hosts are among the strongest in that aspect.
A breakthrough was expected from returning Sergej Milinković-Savić, but he looked lost in space, Aleksandar Mitrović was completely isolated, while Veljko Birmančević was practically the only bright spot in attack, using his speed to threaten. Still, it was not enough to challenge such a dominant team at home.
Serbia was not completely pinned back in front of Vanja Milinković-Savić, and structurally it was a decent performance, but there was no escaping the sheer quality of Spain’s footballing class. They waited for every inch of space and any lapse in concentration—and it happened two minutes before halftime when Oyarzabal struck again.
The Spanish hero from the EURO final against France was left too much space by Strahinja Pavlović around 20 meters from goal; he tried to close him down, but it was too late—a powerful strike flew in from his knee, unstoppable for any goalkeeper. The result already felt decided before halftime, even though Serbia offered solid resistance in the first half.
Unlike some opponents, Spain did not slow down. Even after Yamal and Oyarzabal were substituted after an hour, with Ferran Torres and Víctor Muñoz coming in, along with Dani Olmo earlier, the intensity remained high. Paunović also made changes, bringing on Samardžić, Lukić, and Jović, with Bukinac making his debut, but Serbia was ultimately overwhelmed by Spain’s depth and quality.
Ferran escaped the defense, flicked the ball with his heel to Muñoz, and after defensive lapses, a calm finish followed for 3–0 in the 72nd minute. Until the end, Vanja Milinković-Savić prevented two more certain goals from Ferran and Olmo—otherwise the result would have been even heavier. He was one of the few bright spots for Serbia.
Now the Eagles return home and must prepare quickly for Saudi Arabia, an opponent more suited to their current level, although lessons can certainly be drawn from the clash with powerful Spain.
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Source: Sportal Foto: AP PhotoAlberto Saiz