Spain Under-21 Coach Albert Celades believes the state of the pitch in Serbia contributed to the goalless draw between the sides.
Serbia hosted La Rojita in the first leg of the play-off for the Euro Under-21 Championships next year, with the return leg to come in Cadiz.
Alvaro Morata will miss that game through suspension and Celades told reporters after the match that the absence of Morata will be a big loss to his side.
He also criticised the conditions in Serbia, suggesting the home side prepared a pitch that would hinder Spain’s play.
“The pitch made it difficult for us. They’re more accustomed to it and are a very good opponent,” he said, AS reports.
“We’re satisfied with the work we did and now we have to prepare for the game in Cadiz.
“We know it will be a very difficult game. We knew the return game would be important and so it has proved.
“Now it’s time to rest, return to Spain and work on the things we can control before the game on Tuesday.
“The work we did defending set pieces proved to be worth it. Serbia have scored a lot of goals that way but we managed to minimize the danger. We’re pleased with our defence and overall we’re very happy.
“We expected the field to be bad and they didn’t have any interest in fixing it. Serbia played their tricks and their physical and tough, and sensed something could happen and it happened.
“I realised Morata was close to suspension and it came on the last play, after 96 minutes.
“It’s an important blow but we have to account for it with players we have. Obviously we would like all the players but unfortunately we won’t have them.”
