Clara Perez produced a remarkable series of shoot-out saves as Spain won their fourth women’s EHC medal, taking bronze ahead of Belgium.

It was scoreless in normal time with both defences producing strong final lines, meaning the one-on-one phase defined the contest.

There, Belgium edged in front through Ambre Ballenghien in round two but Laia Vidosa equalised in round three. Those were the only chances to escape the pads of Perez and Elena Sotgiu, the Spanish goalkeeper saving two penalty strokes into the bargain.

It went to sudden death where both sides missed in round six but Paula Jiménez got Spain back in front once more and then Perez kept out Ballenghien for a 2-1 success in the shoot-out.

Spain had the run of the play in the early stages, producing more of the creative play and winning four penalty corners but could not find a breakthrough.

In response, the Red Panthers finished the first half on the up and drew the best from Clara Perez from a corner of theirs.

The second half continued to be incredibly close-fought with precious few chances at either end. Perez kept out another volley of chances with four minutes to go while Spain then had set pieces chances of their own which were both scrambled away by last ditch defence.