Just over seven weeks since their resounding triumph at Euro 2024, Spain are set to begin their defense of the UEFA Nations League title with a challenging away fixture against Serbia.
The match at Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium kicks off the 2024-25 Nations League campaign for both sides, with Denmark and Switzerland also in the mix for League A Group 4.
Spain enter this clash as the reigning champions of the Nations League and fresh off a dominant Euro 2024 campaign. Luis de la Fuente’s side made history in Germany, becoming the first team to win all seven matches at a major tournament (Euros and World Cup) and scoring the most goals (15) in Euros history.
With only two losses in their last 21 internationals since early 2023, Spain’s form remains formidable. De la Fuente, who has led Spain to victories at both the Nations League and Euro 2024, will look to continue this success on the international stage.
In contrast, Serbia’s summer at Euro 2024 was less successful, with the team finishing at the bottom of Group C after drawing against Denmark and Slovenia and losing to England.
Despite a promising run in the previous Nations League campaign that saw them promoted to League A, Serbia will face a tough task against the Spanish giants. Under Dragan Stojkovic, Serbia has yet to secure a victory at a major tournament, and their recent form shows inconsistency with only one win in their last six matches.
The Eagles will be without key players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic due to injury, and Dusan Tadic’s retirement from international football has further depleted their ranks. Notable absentees also include striker Dusan Vlahovic and winger Filip Kostic.
In their place, Stojkovic has called up five uncapped players, including Aston Villa’s Kosta Nedeljkovic and Sunderland’s Milan Aleksic. Luka Jovic is expected to lead the attack, with Sasa Lukic and either Marko Grujic or Ivan Ilic filling the midfield roles.
Serbia Line-up: Rajkovic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Nedeljkovic, Lukic, Ilic, Zivkovic; Samardzic, S. Mitrovic; Jovic
Spain’s injury list includes goalkeeper Unai Simon (wrist), midfielder Mikel Merino (shoulder), striker Alvaro Morata (thigh), and Fermin Lopez (muscle). Veteran defender Jesus Navas has also retired from international duty.
With Simon out, Arsenal’s David Raya is likely to start in goal. Mikel Oyarzabal will spearhead the attack in Morata’s absence, supported by wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Valencia’s Pepelu has received his first senior call-up and could make his debut.
Spain’s line-up: Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal
