They have now won a medal in this event in every edition of the Olympic Games since the group all-around competition made its debut at Atlanta 1996.

Spain had hopes of defeating Russia's reign and they were leading at the halfway point of the competition following a stunning opening display as the champions trailed in third behind Bulgaria.

The competition, however, came alive when world champions Russia returned to the mat with two hoops and six clubs, producing a routine which scored them an 18.633 points. 

Their dynamic second performance allowed them to leapfrog the early pacesetters to the top of the standings with a combined total 36.233.

Also, for the fifth consecutive Olympics, Russia completed the rhythmic gymnastics double after Margarita Mamun won the individual all-around gold medal yesterday. 

"We try to never follow the scores," said Anastasia Bliznyuk.

"The scores are not important for us. 

"The important thing is to go out there and show our routine and to convey our character.

"When you are going towards that victory, that medal, you know why you are doing it, but it is very hard. We have incredibly difficult training sessions.

"This medal was even harder for me to earn than the first."

Spain started the day strong and even lead after the first round. 

They eventually claimed the silver medal with a total of 35.766 points.

It is their third Olympic medal in this sport following a silver for Caroline Pascual at Barcelona 1992 in the individual all-around event, and a gold for Spain in the group all-around event in Atlanta 1996, the only time the Russians were beaten in this event.

"We're super happy and content," said Spaniard Alejandra Quereda.

"It's been a lot of hard work but I'm very grateful.

"I can't begin to tell you how important it is for us to get this medal."

Bulgaria, world champions in 2014, grabbed the bronze medal and won their third medal in this event and their first since 2004, when they also won bronze.