The Spaniards thought that all they had to do on Sunday night was to take a trip to the Madrid basketball arena play some ball and then head straight to the city’s main square for the much-anticipated celebrations, but they definitely had another thing coming.

Led by Kirilenko, who amounted 17 points, 5 rebounds and assists, the Russians didn’t repeat the mistakes of the game lost to the Spaniards in the group stage, and held their ground until the final seconds, when, with 16 second on the clock, J. Holden sprinted across the floor to score a decisive 2-pointer which left Spain trailing by 1 point with 2 seconds left of the final.

The Spanish bench couldn’t believe their eyes. They went through a tense match in the semi final against the Greeks, who they feared the most, but this sudden Russian strike left them with nearly mission impossible.

Coach Pepu Hernandez called time-out and set up a play to leave it all on Pau Gasol’s shoulders, but Memphis Grizzlies center missed the jump shot, to send the Russian fans and players into bliss.

Gasol immediately collapsed on the court after realizing he let the European title slip through his fingers. Spain were considered the strong favorites to become Europe’s champs and thus make history by holding the European title and the World title, which they won two years ago, in the same time.

No one can say Gasol didn’t play well. He finished the game with 14 point, 14 rebounds and 3 assists and he looked as determined as ever. But he certainly didn’t performed like he did in the previous stages of the tournament when he delivered the go-ahead baskets just when Spain needed it and spread fear amid enemy players who thought about penetrating the Spanish defense.

"You must understand that today is a very sad day for us. I admit I wasn't at my best. But I take responsibilty for that," Gasol said. "On the last shot, I thought I saw the ball going in, maybe I should have taken another step forward."

J. Calderon led the Spaniards in scoring with his 15 points, but wasn’t able to lead them to victory as well. Toronto Raptors’ J. Garbajosa recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds and one assist.

On the other side, Russias’ Kirilenko wasn’t alone in his epic struggle as Viktor Khryapa was in top form as he finished with 12 rebounds and added 7 points before being eliminated with 5 fouls.

"Hopefully this will be the first of many titles. Spain are a great team, but we just played really well tonight," said Kirilenko as he received the MVP title. "We made Spain nervous and we played as a team. I might be the MVP but it's been a team effort all the way."