Spain could only draw 2-2 with Morocco, but Portugal’s result means they top Group B.
La Roja looked set to finish second with their Iberian neighbours winning against Iran and Fernando Hierro’s side losing, but a late swing sees them through to face hosts Russia.
The Spaniards had scraped a win over Iran in their previous fixture but went into this match knowing a win would see them through in first place.
Spain could only draw 2-2 with Morocco, but Portugal’s result means they top Group B.
La Roja looked set to finish second with their Iberian neighbours winning against Iran and Fernando Hierro’s side losing, but a late swing sees them through to face hosts Russia.
The Spaniards had scraped a win over Iran in their previous fixture but went into this match knowing a win would see them through in first place.
They fell behind after 14 minutes though, Khalid Boutaib surging clear of the defence to finish emphatically past David De Gea, who was yet to make a single save at the tournament.
That seemed to spur them into life though, and Isco equalised after a lovely team move which culminated in Andres Iniesta squaring for the Real Madrid man.
Spain ramped up the pressure but couldn’t take their chances, and Youssef En-Nesyri put the African side back in front with a towering header from a corner.
Just as it seemed that they were doomed to a shock defeat though, Iago Aspas flicked in to equalise.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but after a VAR review the goal was allowed to stand.
At almost the same moment, Iran equalised against Portugal with a controversial penalty, meaning the 2010 champions win Group B and take on Russia in the Last 16.
Spain 2-2 Morocco
Boutaib 14 (M) Isco 19 (S) En Nesyri 81 (M) Aspas 91 (S)
Spain: De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Thiago (Asensio, 74); Silva (Rodrigo, 84), Isco, Iniesta; Costa (Aspas, 74)
Morocco: Munir; Dirar, Da Costa, Saiss, Hakimi; El Ahmadi, Boussoufa; Amrabat, Belhanda (Fajr, 63), Ziyech (Bouhaddouz, 85); Boutaib (En Nesyri, 72)