Spain’s journey in the UEFA Nations League continues to impress as they secured a 3-0 victory over Serbia on Tuesday, booking their place in the quarterfinals. With goals from Aymeric Laporte, Álvaro Morata, and Álex Baena, the European champions left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with. Despite missing key players, Spain showed their depth and quality, cruising past Serbia and topping Group A4 with 10 points.
In a match that saw Spain completely dominate, Serbia barely had a chance to breathe, let alone score. The Spanish team recorded 30 shots compared to Serbia’s mere three, underlining their superiority throughout the match.
Laporte’s Early Header Sets the Tone
It didn’t take long for Spain to make their intentions clear. In the 5th minute, a perfect cross from Pedro Porro found Aymeric Laporte, who headed the ball into the net to give Spain an early lead. The Manchester City defender was in the right place at the right time, and his precise header set the tone for the rest of the match.
Laporte’s goal was more than just an opener; it was a statement that Spain was in control from the start. Serbia, on the other hand, seemed overwhelmed and never really recovered.
Morata Misses a Penalty but Strikes Back
The second half was marked by more Spanish dominance, but Álvaro Morata had a mixed performance. In the 54th minute, Spain was awarded a penalty for a handball by Veljko Birmancevic. However, to the dismay of Spanish fans, Morata blasted the penalty kick over the bar.
But as the old saying goes, “when one door closes, another opens.” Morata redeemed himself in the 65th minute when he received a neat pass from Fabián Ruiz and slotted the ball home with a perfect left-footed strike from just inside the box. It was a goal that epitomized Morata’s resilience and determination, as he turned his earlier disappointment into triumph.
Serbia’s Frustrations Boil Over
For Serbia, things went from bad to worse as the match progressed. Their frustration culminated in the 78th minute when Strahinja Pavlovic received a straight red card for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal. Pavlovic’s mistimed challenge as the last man meant Serbia’s hopes of salvaging anything from the match evaporated.
Spain, always ruthless when given a chance, took full advantage of the situation. Álex Baena stepped up to take the resulting free kick and curled a stunning shot into the top corner, leaving the Serbian goalkeeper helpless. With Baena’s goal in the 84th minute, Spain wrapped up a 3-0 victory in style.
Spain’s Strength in Depth Shines Through
What made this win even more impressive was Spain’s ability to perform despite missing several key players. After beating Denmark 1-0 just days earlier, Luis de la Fuente’s side faced Serbia without stars like Dani Carvajal, Rodri, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Nevertheless, the young guns stepped up, and Spain didn’t miss a beat.
Captain Álvaro Morata expressed his pride after the match: “We are in another final stage of a major tournament and that is something to be proud of. It seems easy because we are always there in the final stages, but we have to understand how special it is.”
Morata’s comments highlight Spain’s sustained excellence in international football, with young players consistently stepping up and contributing to the team’s success. Spain’s future certainly looks bright, as they continue to show that they are more than capable of competing at the highest level, even when missing key players.
Serbia’s Struggles Continue
For Serbia, this defeat means they sit six points behind Spain and three behind Denmark in Group A4. The red card for Pavlovic only added to their misery, as the team failed to put up any real fight against a dominant Spanish side. Coach Dragan Stojković will need to go back to the drawing board as Serbia’s chances of advancing in the Nations League look slim.
FAQs
Spain defeated Serbia 3-0 with goals from Aymeric Laporte, Álvaro Morata, and Álex Baena.
Yes, Morata missed a penalty in the 54th minute, but he later scored Spain’s second goal in the 65th minute.
Pavlovic was shown a straight red card in the 78th minute for a last-man foul on Mikel Oyarzabal, which further tilted the game in Spain’s favor.
Spain tops Group A4 with 10 points, three points ahead of Denmark and six ahead of Serbia.
Álex Baena scored the third goal for Spain with a superb free kick in the 84th minute.
Conclusion
Spain’s 3-0 victory over Serbia in the UEFA Nations League was a demonstration of their depth, skill, and tactical superiority. Despite missing key players, Spain dominated the match, with Aymeric Laporte, Álvaro Morata, and Álex Baena all finding the net. The win guarantees Spain a spot in the quarterfinals, continuing their excellent run in the competition.
For Serbia, the match was a frustrating affair. With a red card and no real chances created, they were thoroughly outclassed by Spain. As for the Spanish team, they will be looking forward to the next stage of the competition, buoyed by their strong form and the emergence of new stars. Spain’s future is bright, and their performance in this match proves they are serious contenders for the Nations League crown.
