Dani Carvajal captains Spain in 0-0 draw with Serbia

Real Madrid’s right-back Dani Carvajal has captained his country, Spain, from the start of a game for the first time as he led the team in a 0-0 tie with Serbia in the UEFA Nations League. With captain and former Madridista Álvaro Morata both injured and suspended, Carvajal took on the armband as the team’s vice-captain.

The veteran went on to play the full 90 minutes at right back, surprisingly not being replaced as Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza had to wait for his international debut.

Carvajal almost capped this landmark occasion with a goal as he had a fine chance to score early in the second half, stretching to volley high and wide from just outside the six yard box at a corner. At 0.41 xG, it was Spain’s best chance of the night, but was a difficult one to score.

Defensively, Carvajal looked assured up against a Serbia side that included former Real Madrid forward Luka Jović, now with AC Milan. The Serbians also boasted among their ranks Atalanta’s attacking midfielder Lazar Samardžić, but neither was able to cause Spain great problems.

On the right of defence, Carvajal won both of his tackles and recovered possession a total of four times. That came in addition to a 91% pass completion rate, creating one chance in the process.

However, it wasn’t enough for a Spain side to get out of first gear in a below capacity Stadio Rajko Mitić in Belgrade. The draw means that Denmark temporarily go top of Group A after their 2-0 victory over Switzerland in Copenhagen.

Next up: Switzerland

Spain’s next test will arrive in Geneva on Sunday night as they face two tricky away fixtures in a row. The Swiss side were knocked out of Euro 2024 on penalties by eventual runners-up England in the quarter-finals, and capitulated to concede two late goals against Denmark on Thursday night.

Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to rotate, and Carvajal is likely to be one of those who could be rested, which would benefit Real Madrid given the number of injuries in the international break.