MATCH REPORT | Spain dominate without scoring in their title defence (0-0)

Belgrade's Little Maracana, or Rajko Mitić Stadium as it is officially known, lived up to its legend with another tight encounter between two high quality teams.

It was the fifth draw in six visits to the Balkan capital as Spain began the defence of their UEFA Nations League title with a stalemate after monopolising possession of the ball and accumulating up to fifty attacking moves without reward.

Luis de la Fuente started with eleven European champions, with Dani Carvajal wearing the captain's armband for the first time a decade after his debut for the national team.

The first few minutes were to set the tone for the match with a very tough Serbia proving rock solid against Spain´s attacks, with the visitors having to also be watchful of the locals' dangerous local counter-attacks.

The Balkans' Lukić had a good chance after six minutes, but Spain constantly produced danger down the flanks, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams reminiscent of their probing runs at the recent European Championships.

Spain had almost 70% of the ball possession, accumulating 50 attacks and 23 shots on their rival goal.

Williams had a good chance before Luka Jokić missed an excellent opportunity to put Stoijković's side ahead before the break.

The former Real Madrid player missed the target and a confident David Raya kept the Iberians' safe until the break.

After the restart, De la Fuente's team tried their luck with set-pieces, with Carvajal close to the target and working hard in defence to stop the Balkans' quick offences with full-back Pavlović as one of the standout performers.

Spain's changes came close to paying off with Álex Grimaldo's left-footed free-kick and Joselu stretching for a chance, both of whom came close to scoring shortly after coming on.

Lamine Yamal also came close in the final third of the game with Serbia dug in in their trench, but they held on for a goalless draw that leaves Denmark top of the group after Thursday's win over Switzerland.

The Swizz are the next challenge for the reigning continental champions on Sunday as they look to defend their crown in the UEFA Nations League.