More than sixteen million viewers (16,255,000) tuned in to Canal Cuatro for last night's penalty shoot-out against Italy, representing 81.5% of the total audience between 11.10-11.20pm - the highest ever since records began fifteen years ago.

11,501,000 (68.8%) watched the game itself between 8.45-10.30pm, rising to 14,131,000 (72.1%) for extra-time.

The previous record was set on February 25th this year when more than thirteen million people (59.1%) watched the first pre-election debate between Mr Zapatero and Mr Rajoy though a million fewer bothered to watch the second.

Chikilicuatre's performance at this year's Eurovision song contest attracted more than nine million (9,336,000) viewers (59.3%), rising to 10,619,000 (62.9%) for the voting.