The world champions were stunned by an early goal from the South Americans, with Maya Ramirez stealing in behind with a clever touch before slotting the ball under Cata Coll inside 12 minutes.
It was Colombia’s only shot of the first half, with Spain dominating possession and forcing a smart save out of Katherine Tapia from a stinging Aitana Bonmati strike midway through the 45.
Alexia Putellas fired over soon after, before Bonmati once again went close with a left-footed effort which whistled just wide of the top corner inside one minute after the restart.
However, against the run of play once more, Colombia doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute.
Leicy Santos, the provider of the South Americans’ first strike of the afternoon, stole a loose ball and fired a vicious effort on the turn into the far corner after Linda Caicedo’s initial effort from a tight angle had forced a save from Cata Coll.
Spain remained resolute and returned to their usual style of play of quick passing with Bonmati continuously pulling the strings in the centre of the pitch.
Aleixandri made way in the 78th minute for Laia Codina with Spain making a handful of attacking changes with them still trailing by two goals.
With 11 minutes left of the 90, it seemed like Spain had lost all hope but Jenni Hermoso gave her nation a glimmer of inspiration when her right-footed shot snuck into the Colombia goal.
A handful of injuries saw 10 minutes of added time shown on the substitutes board and that was all Spain needed to take the game to extra-time.
On 97 minutes, Irene Paredes stabbed the ball home from close range to Spain’s delight, their hard work rewarded.
Spain dominated possession throughout the extra 30 minutes of play but Colombia, even when down to 10 due to injuries, the world champions could not find the decisive goal and in turn the winner would be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
And the world champions made no mistake from the spot, winning 4-2 on penalties.
