The centre-back nodded past an impressive Petr Cech in the 87th minute as the holders' dominance finally reaped rewards during a frustrating Group D encounter.
Gerard Pique headed home minutes from time as a well-organised Czech Republic were finally broken down by holders Spain.
Alvaro Morata was guilty of missing a host of openings in the first half despite touching the ball in Czech Republic's penalty area twice as much as his opponents in Spain's 18-yard box.
The holders dominated possession, boasting over 70 per cent come half-time, but struggled to find the breakthough against a Petr Cech in peerless form.
Morata was pulled off on the hour mark, to be replaced by 35-year-old fan favourite Aritz Aduriz for his tournament debut, as Czech Republic were prevented from scoring by a Cesc Fabregas goal-line clearance.
David Silva, marking his 100th appearance for La Roja, could, and perhaps should, have scored from the edge of the area with Cech stranded but Pique saved the day with just over three minutes remaining.
The centre-back was teed up by Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta with a swerving cross and simple nodded past Cech for a late winner to move Spain level with Croatia in Group D.
(Goal/YouTube:Live Football Big)
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