An exciting and explosive final few minutes coupled with VAR awarded penalties saw Spain topping Group B ahead of Iberian Peninsula neighbours Portugal as both teams made progress to the second round of the World Cup in Russia.
Spain, who entered the round needing a point to advance, twice came from behind to secure a last gasp 2-2 draw with Morocco.
Khalid Boutaib opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a dreadful mix-up between Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos.
Iniesta made amends five minutes later by helping create a sublime equaliser, exchanging passes with Diego Costa and getting to the byeline before cutting back for Isco to steer high into the net.
The North Africans would once again retake the lead courtesy of an 81st minute header by Youssef En-Nesyri – who plays in Spain for Malaga.
But Iago Aspas flicked in Dani Carvajal’s low cross to make it 2-2, with referee Ravshan Irmatov initially disallowing the goal before overturning the decision.
Spain with the draw finished on 5 points but won the group on goals scored as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran in a game that saw Cristiano Ronaldo missing a 53rd minute penalty and also receiving a yellow card after a lengthy VAR review for a possible red card.
The opening goal of the game was scored in first half stoppage time sensationally with the outside of his right boot by Ricardo Quaresma.
Ronaldo then had his chance to double Portugal’s lead but saw his effort being saved by Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand.
Iran, who needed a win to advance, earned a share of the points after Karim Ansarifard converted a VAR penalty spot.
Spain now go through to the last 16 where they will face tournament hosts Russia who finished second in Group A on 6 points after going down 3-0 to Uruguay.
The South Americans who topped Group A with maximum 9 points will face Portugal in Sochi in the last 16 on Saturday.
Action in the day’s other game saw Saudi Arabia notching a come from behind 2-1 win over Egypt to end their campaign on a positive note.