Spain beat Russia in the game of the day the Umcor U18 European Championship Women in Tenerife.

A place in the quarter-final round was at stake for the winner and the pressure on both teams was immense.

Sweden's ascendacy to top place in the group meant that only one more quarter-final round spot was available, and either Spain or Russia, both powerhouses of women's youth basketball, would miss out.

The pressure was perhaps more intense for Spain as the home team was hyped up before the tournament as the gold medal favourite.

That pressure certainly showed in the early stages when Russia scored nine unanswered points to open the game.

Spain's reply came slowly but surely, and they worked their way back in front with a 20-10 run to close the first quarter ahead, 20-19.

With nerves settled, Spain began to work on establishing a lead and a 15-2 burst put them firmly in control, 37-24.

Although their championship hopes were effectively on the line, Russia never really responded and Spain closed the game easy winners.

Tamara Abdale led four Spanish players in double figures with 15 points.