Spain Thrashes Serbia 3-0, Oyarzabal Scores Twice

Spanish Display at La Cerámica

The Spanish national team delivered a powerful offensive demonstration, thrashing Serbia 3-0 at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, in their first friendly in preparation for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Mikel Oyarzabal, Real Sociedad forward, was the star of the match with two goals, bringing his international tally to 24, second among active Spanish players only to Álvaro Morata.

In front of 20,482 spectators who filled the Villarreal stadium, Luis de la Fuente's team showed why they are one of the big favorites for the World Cup tournament. The reigning European champions displayed dominant football from the opening whistle, with suffocating possession and quick transitions that dismantled the Serbian defense.

Oyarzabal Decides it in the First Half

The San Sebastián native opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a precise left-footed shot that left goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić with no chance. Before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Oyarzabal struck again with another lethal action that decided the match in the first half. His connection with Pedri, Fermín López, and Lamine Yamal proved devastating for the visitors.

Serbia tried to react in the second half, but a goal by Veljko Birmančević was disallowed for a previous foul on Marc Cucurella. With no VAR available, the decision of Portuguese referee Luís Godinho was final.

Goalscoring Debut for Víctor Muñoz

Víctor Muñoz put the icing on the cake in the 72nd minute, just nine minutes after coming onto the field for his absolute debut with the national team. The young attacker finished with an outside-of-the-foot touch after a brilliant backheel pass from Ferran Torres, becoming the twenty-sixth player to debut under De la Fuente's leadership.

The Riojan coach used the second half to make seven changes and test alternatives for the World Cup, also giving debut minutes to defender Cristhian Mosquera. Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, hit the post with a shot when looking to extend the rout, while Dani Olmo saw Milinković-Savić deny him the fourth goal with a brilliant save.

Rodri Returns to the Starting Lineup

One of the most relevant news items of the match was the inclusion of Rodri Hernández in the starting lineup, who played his first match as a starter for Spain since 2024 after recovering from a serious knee injury. The Manchester City midfielder, Ballon d'Or winner in 2024, formed a midfield alongside Pedri and Fermín López that controlled the rhythm of the match at will.

Road to the 2026 World Cup

Spain, who qualified for the World Cup as first in UEFA Group E with an impeccable record of five wins and one draw without conceding a goal, will face Egypt in their next friendly before closing their preparation against Peru in Puebla on June 8. In the World Cup, La Roja is drawn in Group H along with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, debuting on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta.

After winning Euro 2024 and maintaining a run of exceptional results, Spain arrives at the World Cup with the credentials of a top favorite and a squad that combines experience and youth in equal measure.