VILLARREAL, Spain – Mikel Oyarzabal delivered a resounding statement of form, scoring twice in the first half as Spain comfortably defeated Serbia 3-0 at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Wednesday. The victory, a key part of Spain’s preparations for this summer’s World Cup, was largely defined by Oyarzabal’s clinical finishing and a dominant midfield performance. The result also marked a significant milestone for Rodri, who made his first start for the national team since 2024 following a recovery from a serious knee injury.
Oyarzabal’s performance wasn’t just about the goals. it was a demonstration of the sharpness that has seen him find the net in 11 of his last 10 matches for club and country. The Real Sociedad forward is quickly becoming a focal point of Luis de la Fuente’s attack, and his form will be crucial as Spain aims to build momentum heading into the tournament. This match against Serbia, while a friendly, served as a valuable opportunity to refine tactics and build confidence.
Rodri Returns to the Starting XI
The inclusion of Rodri in the starting lineup was a welcome sight for Spain fans. The Manchester City midfielder, a mainstay in the team prior to his injury, hadn’t featured from the start in 18 months, making two substitute appearances earlier in the season as he regained full fitness. His presence provided a much-needed stability in midfield, allowing Spain to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. His recovery has been closely monitored by both Manchester City and the Spanish national team, and this start was a clear indication of his importance to de la Fuente’s plans.
Oyarzabal’s First-Half Brilliance
Spain’s dominance was evident from the opening minutes, and Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 16th minute. A flowing move, initiated by a clever through ball from Lamine Yamal, saw Fermín López cleverly spin and lay the ball off, with Alex Baena providing a subtle touch that allowed Oyarzabal to drive a powerful shot past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the Serbian goal. Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Oyarzabal doubled the lead, given space by a surprisingly passive Serbian defense to unleash a stunning strike into the top-right corner. That goal marked his 24th for Spain, trailing only Álvaro Morata’s 37 among active players.
Serbia Struggles and Debut Delight for Muñoz
Serbia, still reeling from narrowly missing out on a World Cup playoff place to Albania, struggled to offer any real threat throughout the match. Their attacking efforts were largely stifled by a well-organized Spanish defense, and they rarely troubled Unai Simón in goal. A potential goal for Serbia, scored by Veljko Birmancevic, was disallowed after the referee deemed a shove on Marc Cucurella had occurred during the build-up. While replays suggested Cucurella may have slipped, the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) meant the referee’s decision stood.
The second half saw Spain continue to control proceedings, and the introduction of Víctor Muñoz in the 64th minute proved to be a positive moment. The debutant marked his arrival with a goal in the 72nd minute, finishing off a slick move that began with a clever back heel from Ferran Torres. Muñoz’s goal capped off a convincing performance for Spain and provided a glimpse of the depth within the squad.
Despite further opportunities, including a late effort from Dani Olmo that was brilliantly saved by Milinkovic-Savic, Spain were unable to add to their tally. The final scoreline of 3-0, however, accurately reflected their dominance throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
This victory provides a solid foundation for Spain as they continue their World Cup preparations. The team will now turn their attention to their next friendly, scheduled against Brazil on June 12th, a fixture that will undoubtedly provide a sterner test. The World Cup itself kicks off on June 14th, and de la Fuente will be looking to fine-tune his squad and tactical approach in the coming weeks.
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