The Spanish side edged past Russia 13-12 in an extremely close encounter at the Hungarian capital's Danube Arena. 

With the score at 10-10 going into the final quarter, Spain managed to take a 13-10 lead.

Russia then launched a last-gasp comeback, with Ekaterina Prokofyeva and Alena Serzhantova making it 13-12 with 22 seconds to go. 

Spain held out to ensure the gold medal, however. 

María del Carmen García Godoy was Spain's top scorer in the gold-medal match, netting four goals. 

It was Spain's second European title, having previously triumphed in 2013.

The victory also came just months after they claimed a World Championships silver medal in Gwangju. 

Russia's second-place finish saw them earn their ninth European medal.

Earlier in the day, hosts Hungary won 10-8 against the Dutch defending champions to claim the bronze medal. 

Italy secured fifth place with a 7-5 result against Greece, while France recorded a more comfortable 17-8 victory against Slovakia.