In a crucial UEFA Nations League, Group A4 encounter at the iconic Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade, Serbia hosted Spain in a much-anticipated clash. Both sides entered the match with high hopes, eager to solidify their positions in the group. Serbia, led by coach Dragan Stojković, sought to defend their home ground, while Luis de la Fuente’s Spain aimed to claim vital points. The game, though ending in a goalless draw, was a tactical affair filled with strategic substitutions, defensive mastery, and a battle for midfield dominance.
Serbia vs Spain Head-to-Head
Historically, Spain has held a slight upper hand in their meetings with Serbia. Out of 23 encounters, Spain has won 10 times, while Serbia has managed 5 victories, and 8 matches ended in draws. With 26 goals for Spain and 19 for Serbia, these matches have often been closely contested. This match continued the tradition, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tactical stalemate.
Serbia vs Spain Lineups
Here are the Serbia National Football Team vs Spain National Football Team lineups lineups today (Sep 5, 2024)
Serbia (Coach: Dragan Stojković)
- GK: Rajković
- DEF: Nedeljković, Pavlović, Milenković (C), Eraković
- MID: Birmančević, Jović, Lukić, Samardžić, A. Živković
- FW: Ilić
Substitute: M. Ilić (GK), A. Jovanović (GK), Simić, Babić, Ratkov, Terzić, D. Jovanović, Belić, Grujić, S. Mitrović, Aleksić
Spain (Coach: Luis de la Fuente)
- GK: Raya
- DEF: Carvajal (C), Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella
- MID: Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Olmo
- FW: Williams, Pérez, Yamal
Substitute: Remiro (GK), Sánchez (GK), Pau Torres, Pepelu, Pino, Joselu, Ferran Torres, Grimaldo, Mingueza, García, Pedri, Oyarzabal
Serbia vs Spain First Half
The match began with Serbia adopting a more defensive stance, conceding possession to Spain, who dominated with a 68% share. However, Serbia’s defense, led by Milenković and Pavlović, stood firm. Spain’s youthful attack, spearheaded by Yamal and Williams, created a few early chances, but the Serbian backline absorbed the pressure. A yellow card to Serbia’s Eraković in the 5th minute set the tone for a scrappy, hard-fought encounter.
As the half progressed, Spain’s patience in midfield began to yield more attempts, but Rajković remained untested, as most of Spain’s shots were off-target or blocked by Serbian defenders. Dani Olmo and Yamal tried to orchestrate breakthroughs but were frustrated by the compact Serbian defense.
In the 41st minute, Carvajal picked up a yellow card for a mistimed challenge, and Serbia responded with their best chance in the 43rd minute, with Birmančević testing Raya with a shot from distance. As the half came to a close, both teams were locked in a stalemate, with little separating them in terms of clear-cut chances.
Serbia vs Spain Half-time: Serbia 0-0 Spain
Serbia vs Spain Second Half
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions as both managers tried to inject fresh legs into the match. Spain’s Marc Cucurella was replaced by Alejandro Grimaldo, while Serbia brought on Jan-Carlo Simić for Strahinja Eraković. Despite the changes, Spain continued to dominate possession but struggled to break down Serbia’s disciplined defense.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s introduction in the 59th minute added a creative spark for Spain, but their lack of clinical finishing was evident. Serbia’s keeper Rajković made crucial saves, including a well-struck shot from Olmo in the 69th minute. As the game neared its final stages, Serbia brought on Marko Grujić and Petar Ratkov to bolster their midfield and attack, respectively.
The final 10 minutes saw both sides pushing for a winner. Spain made their final substitutions, bringing on Ferran Torres and Joselu to increase their attacking threat, while Serbia countered with Stefan Mitrović for Ivan Ilić. Despite several late attacks, neither team could find the breakthrough.
Serbia vs Spain Full-Time: Serbia 0-0 Spain
Serbia vs Spain Stats
Here is the Serbia National Football Team vs Spain National Football Team stats today (Sep 5, 2024)
- Possession: Serbia 32% – Spain 68%
- Total Attempts: Serbia 9 – Spain 22
- Attempts on Target: Serbia 1 – Spain 5
- Corners: Serbia 2 – Spain 9
- Pass Accuracy: Serbia 77% – Spain 91%
- Yellow Cards: Serbia 3 – Spain 6
- Fouls Committed: Serbia 11 – Spain 12
Serbia vs Spain Timeline
Here is the Serbia National Football Team vs Spain National Football Team timeline today (Sep 5, 2024)
- 5’ – Eraković (Yellow card, Serbia)
- 21’ – Pérez (Yellow card, Spain)
- 27’ – Carvajal (Yellow card, Spain)
- 41’ – Yamal (Yellow card, Spain)
- 43’ – Birmančević (Yellow card, Serbia)
- +1’ – Half-time: Serbia 0-0 Spain
- 46’ – Substitution: Simić on for Eraković (Serbia)
- 56’ – Substitution: Grimaldo on for Cucurella (Spain); Oyarzabal on for Pérez (Spain)
- 62’ – Substitution: Belić on for A. Živković (Serbia)
- 67’ – Olmo (Yellow card, Spain)
- 69’ – Belić (Yellow card, Serbia)
- 74’ – Substitution: Ratkov on for Jović (Serbia); Grujić on for Samardžić (Serbia)
- 76’ – Substitution: Pedri on for Fabián Ruiz (Spain)
- 82’ – Substitution: Joselu on for Olmo (Spain); Ferran Torres on for Williams (Spain)
- 85’ – Substitution: S. Mitrović on for Ilić (Serbia)
- +3’ – Full-time: Serbia 0-0 Spain
Serbia vs Spain Impact on the Points Table
The draw didn’t greatly benefit either side, though Spain, with their superior possession and attacking prowess, may feel they missed an opportunity. Serbia’s resilient defense earned them a valuable point, keeping them in the mix for qualification. Spain remained at the top of the group with this draw, but their lead has narrowed.
Serbia vs Spain Man of the Match
Nikola Milenković (Serbia) – The Serbian captain was a rock at the heart of the defense, making crucial interceptions, blocks, and clearances to keep Spain at bay. His leadership and composure under pressure were vital in securing a clean sheet for his side.
The match ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw, with both Serbia and Spain walking away with a point. Despite Spain’s dominance in possession, they failed to find a way past Serbia’s resolute defense. For Serbia, this result demonstrated their defensive solidity and determination, while Spain will rue their missed chances. The outcome left the group wide open, setting the stage for an exciting finish in the coming fixtures.
