Midfielder made first start in a year and a half as Spain dominated in 3-0 win
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has struggled with fitness since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2024, but on Friday he continued his upward trajectory with a first start for Spain in 18 months in the 3-0 defeat of Serbia.
Rodri made two appearances as a substitute earlier this season but here in the Estadio de la Ceramica he was given a run from the go. La Roja dominated from the outset and took the lead in the 16th minute through Real Sociedad’s ever-brilliant Mikel Oyarzabal, who finished off a team move involving Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez.
Oyarzabal then added a second just before halftime, finding the top corner to continue his strong scoring run for club and country. Serbia offered little attacking threat but they had a goal ruled out in the second half when Veljko Birmancevic was penalised for a foul in the build-up. Without VAR in use, the decision stood despite protests.
Osasuna’s 22-year-old Victor Munoz added a third goal on his debut, finishing from close range after a backheel assist from Ferran Torres. Spain pushed for a fourth late on and Dani Olmo was denied by a strong save, but were unable to extend the scoreline further.
