Spain continued their quest for a first European Championship crown by scoring two second-half goals to knock out hosts Switzerland and reach the semi-finals.
The world champions were made to work hard for the victory in Bern as they struggled to break down a stubborn Swiss defence in the opening half.
Spain twice failed from the penalty spot, but goals from Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina ensured they reached their first Euro semi-final since 1997.
After being brought down in the box by Nadine Riesen, Mariona Caldentey spurned the chance to put Spain ahead in the ninth minute when she dragged her spot-kick wide.
Alexia Putellas later sent her penalty straight at Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng when Spain had a two-goal cushion.
Peng had made two smart saves in the first half, while Olga Carmona and Aitana Bonmati sent frustrated efforts over the bar as the Swiss backline remained resolute during the opening 45 minutes.
Del Castillo made an instant impact for Spain – scoring three minutes and 24 seconds after being brought on as a substitute with a cool slotted finish.
Pina added a second with a sublime curling strike in the 71st minute to set up a semi-final encounter with either France or Germany on Wednesday.
“We were calm, we were confident. I knew we had to fight and must be patient,” Aitana Bonmati said afterwards.
“We are used to winning from the beginning. But real football is not like that, you have to compete for 90 minutes, especially at this level.”
Asked who she would like to face in the semi-final, Bonmati said she did not have a preference, and added: “If they can have extra time and are tired – even better for us.”
What was the main talking point?
The party might be over for Switzerland, but their players can hold their heads up high after pushing Spain harder than any other team has done so far.
Not only did the hosts reach the quarter-finals for the very first time, but they have captured the attention of a nation, with fans embracing football fever and filling out stadiums to cheer on Pia Sundhage’s side.
On Friday evening, thousands of fans turned out for the pre-game fan walk from Bern city centre to Wankdorf Stadium – turning the streets red as they danced and chanted their way to the 29,800-capacity ground.
Some fans held up home-made signs that read “women’s football is here to stay” and the sold-out crowd emphasised that sentiment by roaring their team on throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite the result, and Noelle Maritz’s red card for a rash added-time challenge, the Swiss fans remained in the stands well after full-time to thank the players for the happiness they have brought them over the past two-and-a-half weeks.
For Spain, their quest for the title goes on, but Switzerland prove there are weaknesses for their future opponents to exploit.
Alayah Pilgrim and Iman Beney provided a threat in behind, while their stubborn defence made it difficult for Spain to fashion many clear-cut chances, making them to resort to long-range efforts.
