The game was level pegging throughout and it required the drama of a penalty shootout to separate the sides, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

The shootout finished 3-1 to the Spaniards, despite missing their opening spot-kick, with Mikel Oyarzabal netting the deciding penalty to ensure Spain’s place in the final four against either Italy or Belgium at Wembley next week.

The game started electrically and the Spaniards took an early lead in Saint-Petersburg, as Jordi Alba’s strike from just outside the box deflected off Denis Zakaria, wrongfooted Yann Sommer in the Swiss goal and nestled in the corner.

Our skipper Azpilicueta, who played the entire game at right-back for Luis Enrique’s side, almost doubled Spain’s lead in the first half but saw his header saved well by Sommer.

Switzerland pushed the Spaniards hard in the second half and were rewarded for their endeavours with just over 20 minutes left to play, with Xherdan Shaqiri sweeping home from close range.

Despite drawing level, Switzerland’s task became harder when Remo Frueler – the man who had earlier assisted Shaqiri – was shown a red card by Michael Oliver for what he deemed as a reckless challenge.

The game went into extra time and Spain had two glorious chances to win the tie through substitute Gerard Moreno, but he first fired wide from close range and later was denied by a smart stop from Sommer.

So penalties were required and although Switzerland scored their first after Spain missed, they couldn’t capitalised and missed their next three as Spain hit back to win.

Spain will now face the winner of tonight’s other game, Italy or Belgium, in the semi-final at Wembley on Tuesday.