Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez handed champions Spain a 2-1 lead in their Davis Cup World Group quarter-final after beating German doubles pair Nicolas Kiefer and Mischa Zverev 6-3, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 Saturday.
The victory on a second day of scorching heat in Marbella gives Spain the advantage ahead of Sunday's two reverse singles and puts them a step closer to a semi-final against surprise package Israel.
Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich gave the Israelis an unbeatable 3-0 lead over Russia in Tel Aviv earlier Saturday to put their side through to the last four for the first time.
Lefthanders Verdasco and Lopez, who won a crucial point in the doubles in last year's final victory over Argentina, ultimately had too much firepower for the Germans on the clay at the adapted bull ring.
"We were in control all the time except for a little blip in the third set," Lopez said in a television interview. "We were fighting to the end and I think we deserved the win because we were better."
Verdasco beat Andreas Beck in the singles Friday and is due to play Philipp Kohlschreiber, conqueror of Tommy Robredo, in Sunday's singles. He said he was in good shape.
"I'm feeling good on the court so let's see how I feel tomorrow when I get up," he said.
"We really enjoy the Davis Cup and are super happy to win every point for the team."
In the other two last eight ties, Croatia are leading the United States 2-1 in Porec and Czech Republic have the same advantage over Argentina in Ostrava.
Spain, without injured world number two Rafael Nadal, defeated Germany at this stage of the 2008 edition and have won their last 15 ties at home.
The Germans, like Spain three-time Davis Cup winners, last made it through to the semis in 2007.
