The UEFA Nations League quarter-finals saw Spain, the reigning champions, secure a spot with a 3-0 win over Serbia on Oct 15.
Luis de la Fuente’s team easily defeated their opponents on a wet evening in Cordoba, securing advancement from Group A4 with two games remaining.
Missing Key Players, Yet Unstoppable
Despite the absence of key star players crucial to their victory in Euro 2024, Spain displayed dominance and secured the win with goals scored by Aymeric Laporte, Alvaro Morata, and Alex Baena.
Spain’s national team did not have their young winger Lamine Yamal, who returned to Barcelona due to a slight hamstring injury following the 1-0 victory against Denmark on Saturday. Additionally, players like Rodri Hernandez and Dani Carvajal have been out of action due to long-term injuries.
Baena Steps In and Shines
Coach De la Fuente decided to start Villarreal’s Baena instead of Yamal and substituted Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino for Barca playmaker Pedri.
Spain has gone 14 matches without a defeat, and unlike the previous tight 0-0 draw in Belgrade in September, they generated numerous scoring opportunities.
Early Lead Secured by Laporte
In the fifth minute, Laporte, the centre-back, put the hosts in the lead by heading in a cross from Pedro Porro.
Merino struck the post with his head and showed great energy in the initial period, as his shot towards the goal was stopped following a strong effort from Marc Cucurella and the effortlessly skillful Fabian Ruiz.
Mikel Oyarzabal had two near misses, but Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic thwarted him both times. Rajkovic also made a save from Morata, and Martin Zubimendi narrowly missed the target with his shot.
Morata Misses the Penalty but Redeems Himself
Morata, who hadn’t found the net for Spain since the opening match of the Euros, should’ve increased his team’s advantage shortly after the second half began.
The striker from AC Milan missed a penalty by shooting it high over the crossbar after Veljko Birmancevic touched Porro’s cross.
Morata persisted and eventually scored with a nicely-placed finish after being set up by Fabian Ruiz.
Serbia Collapse: Red Card and Third Goal
Serbia’s night went from bad to worse with less than 15 minutes remaining when Strahinja Pavlovic was shown a red card for fouling Euro 2024 final goalscorer Oyarzabal as he made a run towards the box.
Pavlovic tried to prevent Spain from scoring a third goal, but Baena skillfully scored from the subsequent free-kick.
Spain Finishes Strong
Late in the game, Pedri struck the crossbar for Spain during a gratifying evening for the European champions in Andalucia.
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