Spain will begin the defence of the UEFA Nations League crown when they take on Serbia at the Red Star Stadium on Thursday.
The UEFA Nations League is back with its fourth edition, with the reigning champions in action on Thursday. Spain will return to the pitch for the first time since winning the UEFA Euro 2024 title as they lock horns with Serbia at the Red Stadium.
Serbia reached UEFA Nations League A by clinching promotion from League B, the team’s second advancement to a higher league in the third edition. Meanwhile, the Eagles were out of sorts at UEFA Euro 2024, bowing out of the group stage after a winless campaign, including a 1-0 defeat to England.
As for Spain, they are the most prolific team in the UEFA Nations League, reaching two finals in three editions. La Roja finished runners-up in the 2020/21 edition before going all the way in 2022/23, beating Croatia on penalties after a goalless draw. Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente’s men have been incredible in 2024, winning the European Championships after a scintillating campaign.
The only clash featuring Serbia and Spain ended in a 2-0 win for La Roja in an international friendly in May 2012. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Serbia
Dragan Stojkovic has seen a few players pull themselves out of the squad ahead of his side’s latest fixture. Captain Aleksandar Mitrovic is the most notable absentee, with the experienced striker withdrawing due to an injury.
In addition, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dusan Vlahovic, and Nemanja Stojic have also pulled out from the Serbian squad for the first international break of the 2024/25 season. Otherwise, Stojkovic has all his resources available this midweek.
Predrag Rajkovic should take his usual spot between the sticks, with Serbia lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in front of him against Spain on Thursday. The central defensive unit should feature Milos Veljkovic, Nikola Milenkovic, and Strahinja Pavlovic. Kosta Nedeljkovic and Andrija Zivkovic will start as the two wing-backs.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Sasa Lukic and Ivan Ilic in the middle of the park, with the duo looking to keep things tight in the central areas. Finally, Luka Jovic will lead the line for Serbia against Spain, with Lazar Samardzic and Stefan Mitrovic completing the numbers in the offensive trifecta.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Rajkovic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Nedeljkovic, Lukic, Ilic, Zivkovic; Samardzic, Stefan Mitrovic; Jovic
Spain
Unlike his counterpart in the Serbian dugout, Luis de la Fuente has not seen any player pull out from the squad for the September international break. However, Spain’s head coach has named a group with a few alterations.
Captain Alvaro Morata will not feature for Spain against Serbia after sustaining a muscle injury in his debut for AC Milan. In addition, Mikel Merino and Fermin Lopez are in the same boat, while Jesus Navas has called time on his international career.
With Unai Simon not in the latest Spanish squad, David Raya will take his spot between the sticks, with La Roja lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Serbia. The backline should feature Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Rodri and Fabian Ruiz in the double pivot, with Dani Olmo reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Mikel Oyarzabal should lead the line for Spain against Serbia, with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal
Key Stats
- Serbia and Spain have met just once since 2006 (excluding the head-to-head record against Serbia and Montenegro, FR Yugoslavia, and Yugoslavia), with that meeting coming in an international friendly in 2012.
- Serbia are unbeaten in their last five games in the UEFA Nations League, clinching four victories. They have won their three most recent home games in the competition, scoring 13 goals while conceding just thrice.
- Spain are unbeaten in their last five away games in the UEFA Nations League, clinching three victories while keeping two clean sheets.
- Serbia have scored at least two goals in four of their last five home games in the UEFA Nations League. On the other hand, Spain have netted twice in eight of their ten most recent matches.
- Spain are on a nine-match winning run across competitions, while Serbia are without a win in three games.
Player to Watch
Nico Williams
With Alvaro Morata missing the latest round of international fixtures, Nico Williams will have more onus than usual on him to produce the goods in the final third. The Athletic Club attacker was a hot property in the market in the summer transfer window, with the who’s who of European football chasing his signature.
However, a move did not materialise, with Williams remaining committed to Atheltic Club. The 22-year-old now shifts his focus to the international arena, and he will be eager to continue making his mark on Thursday evening.
Prediction
Serbia 0-1 Spain
Serbia might have struggled for wins at UEFA Euro 2024 as they prepare to welcome Spain to the Red Star Stadium this midweek. However, even if they are not up to the mark in the final third, their defensive performance rarely wavers. So, Spain cannot expect a walk in the park in Belgrade.
The away side should dominate the proceedings, with their hosts keeping them at bay for long periods on Thursday. However, Nico Williams will rise to the occasion and deliver a narrow 1-0 win for Luis de la Fuente and his charges this week.