Acrobatics and extra-time weren’t needed as a slick Spain recovered from the shock of going behind to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final with Germany.
After conceding to Georgia’s first attack, Spain roared back thanks to a timely equaliser from Rodri before a second half burst finally saw off the brave but limited Georgians in Cologne.
Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession throughout the contest, and proved just why they are beginning to be taken seriously as potential winners.
Georgia bow out of their first major tournament after showing plenty of heart, but ultimately lacked defensive stability. They will always have their opener though.
It had been one way traffic, but then the diversion in the 18th minute. For the first time in the game Georgia got players forward, and right wing-back Otar Kakabadze sent in a bouncing cross into the area.
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Robin Le Normand, aware of the presence of a looming Khvicha Kvaratshkelia, tried his best to deal with it but could only help it into his own net. Cue absolute bedlam.
Rodri blasted Spain level (AFP via Getty Images)Spain were stunned, and where their attacking had been so slick there was a sudden air of panic about their efforts. Fabian Ruiz, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte all tried from distance, the latter hopelessly.
Marc Cucurella and Nico Williams were the next to have a go but the brilliant Mamardashvili saved well, and then just as frustration began to take hold here came Rodri, always the man for such an occasion.
Packed penalty area, hovering around the D, perfect shot. It was classic Rodri, albeit with his left foot, as the Manchester City midfielder dragged his side level when they needed it most.
Georgia’s star man Kvaratshkelia opened the second half with an outrageous effort from his own half that had Unai Simon breaking out in a cold sweat before it drifted wide.
Nico Williams scored Spain's superb third goal (AFP via Getty Images)Spain were steely-eyed now though, and within moments they were ahead when 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, seconds after having a free-kick saved by Mamardashvili, planted a perfect cross onto the head of Ruiz, who couldn’t miss
There was a sense that Spain would simply accelerate away from here, particularly as Yamal was beginning to come to the fore, but there is a reason why Georgia have won many friends in Germany.
They admirably stuck to their task, and substitute Giorgi Tsitashvili could have done better when blazing wide from an angle.
Spain will play Germany in the quarter-finals (AFP via Getty Images)They looked shattered now though, and after they survived conceding a Giorgi Gvelesiani own goal due to Yamal being offside, Williams brilliantly raced clear from a Ruiz pass, rode a challenge and settled the contest.
Substitute Dani Olmo then got in on the act as he took a fine first touch and finished low for the fourth, sealing a night that began chaotically for Spain, but ended comfortably.
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