Spain overcame an early shock as they ended Georgia's Euro 2024 fairytale with a 4-1 statement victory on Sunday to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final date with hosts Germany.
Georgia took a shock lead in the 18th minute from an own goal by Robin Le Normand, but Rodri levelled in the 39th, Fabian Ruiz headed in for 2-1 in the 51st, Nico Williams smashed the third in the 75th, and Dani Olmo wrapped up matters in the 83rd.
The exciting Spanish team has impressed the most so far at the Euros, is the only one to win all four matches, and now run into hosts Germany on Friday in Stuttgart.
Spain have won two of the three previous meetings at the Euros with Germany, the last match their 1-0 in the 2008 final. Germany's lone win was however at their last home Euros, a 2-0 in the 1988 group stage.
Four years ago Spain thrashed Germany 6-0 in the Nations League, while their last meeting ended 1-1 in the 2022 World Cup group stage.
Georgia had a dream debut culminating in a 2-0 against Portugal that got them into the knock-outs but there was not another miracle on the night, even though they gave their all once again.
Spain beat Georgia 7-1 and 3-1 in qualifying, and were utterly dominant again, with 73% possession, 36-4 attempts and 106-11 attacks.
Spain happy but not finished yet
"We are super happy to be in the quarter-finals. We did it step by step and showed what a great team we are. We must continue in this way," Williams said.
Man of the Match Rodri added: "It was a difficult game. They are not a big name but did a great job. We had many chances but the ball would not go in at first. But we showed maturity."
Looking ahead at Germany, he said: "They are at home. But I think they are not so happy that they have to play against us."
Georgia leave with plenty of pride
Georgia captain Guram Kashia admitted that "we had no chance, especially in the second half. Of course you are a little sad in the dressing room.
But pride prevailed overall, he said. "We came here as a team no one expected anything from. We brought Georgian football to Europe."
Spain in total control but Georgia drew first blood
Spain had thrashed Georgia 7-1 in qualifying last year and they started with all cylinders firing into Sunday's date.
Youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams showed their class while Pedri, Daniel Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte and Fabian threatened but did not get past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The triple champions had some 90% possession but then conceded for the first time at the Euros on Georgia's first attack.
Georges Mikautadze fed Otar Kakabadze on the right, and his low cross was tured in by Le Normand's hip, under pressure from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, for the eighth own goal of the tournament.
Spain level before the break
Spain tried to hit back immediately but Mamardashvili saved again, from Marc Cucurella, while Georgia were lurking on the counter.
Mamardashvili was eventually being beaten from Rodri's low drive into the right corner from the edge of the area, the goal for 1-1 given after a review said that Alvaro Morata in an offside position had not blocked the goalkeeper's view.
Georgia threaten but Spain take lead
Kvaratskhelia almost restored Georgia's lead in the 47th when he spotted Unai Simon outside his goal and had a go from the midfield line which went narrowly wide left.
Mamardashvili saved well from Yamal's curling free-kick but had no answer a minute later against Fabian's header off Yamal's cross as the favourites were finally on top.
La Roja pressed for more, with Yamal wide a few times, and a Giorgi Gvelesiani own goal nullified due to Spanish offside in the build-up.
Fabian eventually superbly set up Williams with a long ball over the top for the third, and substitute Olmo slotted the fourth into the bottom left corner, with Mamardashvili stranded.
