Hungary's András John responds with the first save in the shootout for his side, after which Hungary's Balazs Csuka and Daniel Serrano add goals that mean the shootout enters round 4 level.
The first save of the shootout comes from Spain's Victor Calleja, who stops Norbert Gyene's attempt after the opening two shots are scored by András John (Hungary) and Gonzalo Cervera (Spain).
An extremely high-scoring set comes to an end with Hungary taking the win needed to push the game into a shootout.
A save from László Nahaj comes at a crucial point with just over a minute to go in the set, enabling Hungary to hold off a Spanish comeback — at least for now.
A flurry of goals through a period of just under three minutes, with Hungary maintaining the advantage. The match has become almost completely about attack — a complete change after defence was the standout point earlier in the set and in the previous one.
Another situation of the sets mirroring each other, with Hungary enjoying a comfortable lead as we come to the midway point, just as Spain did in the first before Hungary made it a much closer contest.
The experience in the Hungary line-up is huge, with nine players who were part of the 2023 title win still in the squad and six of those having also been part of the bronze-medal win in 2019.
On the other side, Spain count on two players who were part of their last EURO trophy win, in 2017: Gonzalo Cervera and Ortola Lopez.
Both teams have a strong history of participation in the EURO semi-finals, with this being the eighth for Hungary and ninth for Spain.
Coming to the two-minute mark and Hungary have a slender lead over Spain, enjoying a much stronger start to the set than in the first.
Hungary gain possession as the second set of the last semi-final begins.
Daniel Serrano converts for Spain's and Hungary are not able to answer in time, with four seconds left when Serrano strikes. Hungary attempt a long-range in-flight goal that does not come together and Spain clinch the set.
Timeout Spain with just 10 seconds to play and the score all square. Can Spain make the most of their possession and finish the job they started so well early in the set?
A complete turning of the tide as Hungary take the lead for the first time in the match with two minutes on the clock. Spain have scored only four points in the last three minutes, while Hungary have added eight.
Midway through the set and the timeout has served Hungary well, as they come charging back and have Spain within their sights.
Timeout Hungary as they struggle to gain some control in the match, while Spain keep the score line right where it is.
Just two minutes in but the situation is already looking great for Spain, as they power to a clear lead with three unanswered goals from three different players, while nothing is going right for Hungary so far.
Starting whistle on the second men's semi-final, with Spain winning the tip off.
19:54
Onto the fourth and last of the semi-finals at the EHF Beach Handball EURO 2025, with Hungary set to meet Spain.
While Hungary are the defending champions, having claimed their first EURO title in 2023, Spain are hoping to end an eight-year wait for a medal. Their last was gold in 2017.
The teams have already faced each other in Alanya, with Hungary winning in straight sets.
Looking at the longer-term history between the sides, Spain have been responsible for some Hungarian heartache, as they beat Hungary in the semi-finals in 2017 and 2015, as well as in the final in 2006.
The emotions are incredible. Such an amazing match, it was. The defending world champion was our opponent and they played so great. In the first set we didn't have an answer for the attack of Croatia but in the second set we luckily won by two points, and in a shootout, everything can happen.
It was a great match worthy of the European semi-final. It's not a surprise because we played against a great team. We won the first set. We fought very hard in defence and it paid off. In the second set we had some bad decisions in defence, maybe too many misses in attack, and when you play against a team like Germany every ball matters — it's a ball or two in every set. So I congratulate them on the great match.
We had a good feeling today, so we were hoping to get like two points today. It was so nice to have this team spirit and happiness and everything.
I think our match plan was right and we had the chances, but we didn't get the ball into the goal, so that's everything. This match is always very close and the teams are very close, so it happens.
