The defending champion beat Italy’s Mattia Busato to set up a showdown with France’s Vu Duc Minh Dack, the 2015 bronze medallist, who overcame world silver medallist Ilja Smorguner of Germany to the delight of the home crowd.

"I am very happy that I made it to my sixth final," said Quintero.

"We had done a very intensive preparation for our first big goal of the season, which is the European Championships, and I am glad that I could qualify to fight for the gold medal."

The women’s kata final will also pit Spain against France as Sandra Sanchez goes up against home favourite Sandy Scordo.

World silver medallist Scordo upset Turkey’s Dilara Bozan to reach her fourth final in senior Championships, while defending champion Sanchez secured her ticket to the gold medal match after defeating Macedonia’s Puleksenija Jovanoska.

"I feel great," said Scordo.

"I have gone through an intensive preparation and I managed to put in place all that I have been working on.

"This morning, I made katas that really helped me get into the competition and they gave me good feelings and good energy.

"After the team competition, I will start focusing on the individual final and I hope that I will perform well in front of my friends and my family."

Sanchez will be aiming to seal her third major triumph of the season, following victories at Karate 1-Premier League events in Dubai and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Action at the Montpellier Arena is due to continue tomorrow with the first rounds of men’s and women’s kumite categories.

The finals of the European Championships will be open to a worldwide audience with fans able to watch the action either live on television or through the World Karate Federation’s YouTube channel here.

Medal matches are scheduled to take place on Saturday (May 7) and Sunday (May 8), and will be televised in 35 nations.