MATCH REPORT | Spain shines at La Cerámica (3-0)

The countdown has begun. As Luis de la Fuente said in the press room: “We are already playing the World Cup.” And Spain certainly showed it. In a packed Estadio de la Cerámica, where Villarreal CF’s yellow and Spain’s red merged into unforgettable scenes, the team stepped onto the pitch as if no time had passed. After more than four months without a match, they confirmed why they remain at the top of the FIFA rankings for the sixth consecutive month.

From the first whistle, Spain created chance after chance. Álex Baena nearly opened the scoring twice in his former home. The Spanish attack, lively as always, constantly troubled the Serbian defense. The opener came from a slick combination: Lamine Yamal drove down the right, passing to Fermín, who set it up for Oyarzabal, using a feint from Baena, to score a precise finish past Milinković-Savić.

Spain didn’t ease off. Three minutes later, Lamine hit the post, and Fermín found the net, though his goal was ruled out for handball. Unai Simón stopped Serbia’s only real threat, a shot from Birmančević.

Just before halftime, Oyarzabal’s left foot struck again, firing a stunner from outside the box to make it 2-0 — adding to his incredible form: 11 goals and 6 assists in his last 10 matches for Spain.

The second half brought unforgettable moments. In the 63rd minute, Víctor Muñoz made his debut, replacing Oyarzabal. Just nine minutes later, he scored, finishing a slick pass from Ferran Torres, and sealed the third goal to a roaring crowd.

Later, Cristhian Mosquera made his senior debut after more than 40 youth caps, replacing Pau Cubarsí. Spain could have added more, but Milinković-Savić made several crucial saves against Ferran Torres (twice) and Dani Olmo