The score was tied at 26-26 as time was set to expire at Budapest's MVM Dome, but Joan Cañellas was penalised for his attempt to prevent Niclas Ekberg getting a shot away.

That gave the Swedes a penalty and Ekberg converted, rifling the ball into the roof of the net to secure the title.

It is Sweden's record fifth European Championship victory - but represents a first continental crown since 2002.

Niclas Ekberg and Oscar Bergendahl were tied for the Swedish team lead in terms of goals in the final, each bagging five, but it was team-mate Jim Gottfridsson who was named the player of the tournament.

Spain were seeking to win a third European title in a row and had not lost to Sweden in a competitive game since 2009, with notable victories in that span including the 2020 final and a group-stage meeting earlier this tournament.

The third-place playoff was a rematch of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic final, but this time it was Denmark who triumphed.

The world champions saw off Olympic champions France 35-32, with extra time required to separate the sides.

Denmark won the additional period 6-3 as Lauge Schmidt accounted for three of those Danish goals.