Spain set up a blockbuster quarter-final tie with Euro 2024 hosts Germany by surviving an early scare to ease past Georgia.
Playing in their first major tournament, Georgia had to soak up heavy pressure from Spain early on but stunned those watching on at Cologne Stadium when they took a surprise lead after 18 minutes.
Spain defender Robin le Normand poked Otar Kakabadze's curling cross into his own net, finishing off a devastating counter-attack and silencing supporters behind their goal.
Substitutes warming up sprinted over to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who led Georgia's celebrations in the corner.
It sparked confidence in Georgia but Spain's pressure eventually paid off when Manchester City's Rodri drilled a shot into the bottom corner - beating goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had another outstanding overall display.
Spain continued to excite in attack, stringing together countless chances, and capitalised when Fabian Ruiz nodded in a cross from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Georgia continued to battle and Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia would have scored the goal of the tournament had his clever chip from the halfway line bounced a metre to the right instead of passing the post.
But despite Georgia's flair and unpredictability, Spain's accomplished possession game took control - Nico Williams striking powerfully into the roof of the net to make it 3-1, before Dani Olmo's precise finish capped things off.
European giants and home favourites Germany are up next for Spain in Stuttgart on Friday, while Georgia exit the competition after a fairytale run in which they massively exceeded expectations.
"This is the path we are in. Germany at home will be very strong but we have no fear," said Rodri, on Spain's next match.
"I’m sure they will be worried about us too. We will have to play fantastic but we are here to try to win, not play well or give a good image. We are going all out to try to win."
Spain’s flawless record in the group stages – winning all three matches without conceding a goal – meant they were considered heavy favourites for this knockout tie.
They had to show resilience when Georgia then ripped up the script, stunning Spain with a goal against the run of play, but Luis de la Fuente’s men delivered.
Largely considered tournament favourites for the way they have played so far, Spain only consolidated that opinion with a ruthless second-half display, full of creativity.
Yamal and Williams, 21, danced together in the corner after Spain’s third goal, with both putting in another exciting performance.
Substitute Olmo also took his opportunity to shine, getting his name on the scoresheet, having looked bright in their 1-0 win over Albania.
Spain were tested by Georgia but did not let their counter-attacking threat disrupt their rhythm, and it paid off.
Quarter-final opponents Germany will pose their biggest challenge so far but Spain have shown more than enough to maintain their 'tournament favourites' tag.
"We created many chances and it could have been 8-1 which would have been normal," said Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.
"We need to value how important this victory is because the opponents were really good.
"We know this next game [against Germany] could have been a final at a World Cup. It's a great rival we are going to face."
Georgia leave Germany having earned respect from their opponents after a fairytale progression to the knockout stages in their debut major tournament.
They were urged to show no fear by manager Willy Sagnol - a former Bayern Munich and France full-back - and they did not, driving at Spain’s backline on the counter-attack, dribbling with fearlessness and taking risks throughout.
Goalkeeper Mamardashvili kept them in the game for more than 50 minutes until Ruiz’s header gave Spain the lead, while Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia provided stardust for them in attack.
The scoreline does not flatter Spain given the number of chances they created - but perhaps does not tell the story of Georgia’s flamboyance, and their own threat.
"Sometimes you need to take time to look at what you have done. We can be very happy. The evolution of the team has been absolutely fantastic," said Georgia boss Willy Sagnol.
"I'm very proud of that. Now it's the end of our journey but I'm sure the next one will be very exciting. I think all Georgians want one thing - and that is to come back."
The fact Spain had two extra days to prepare for this tie, and were able to make 10 changes in their final group game, also showed when Georgia tired later on.
However, their supporters were certainly pleased with what they saw, remaining in their seats after full-time to chant to the backdrop of a drum and applaud the Georgia players.
They were given an unforgettable memory when Georgia beat Portugal in their final group game - but this was a step too far against elite opposition.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1328 HRS, JULY 01, 2024
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