The Mexican outfit were favourites for the tie at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and nearly took the lead after two minutes when a Jesus Gallardo shot hit the crossbar.

Monterrey, the CONCACAF champions, did not have long to wait to make the breakthrough.

The opening goal came in spectacular fashion as defender Leonel Vangioni fired a left-footed shot from 35 yards, which flew into the top corner via the post on the 23 minute mark.

Regelio Funes Mori doubled the Mexican team’s advantage on the stroke of half-time by latching on to a poor back pass and firing beyond the Al-Sadd goalkeeper.

Al-Sadd, managed by former Barcelona and Spain star Xavi Hernandez, hit back midway through the second half when Algerian defender Baghdad Bounedjah headed into the Monterrey net.

Monterrey’s two goal advantage was restored by Carlos Rodriguez in the 77th minute, as he finished off good work from Gallardo.

There was a late scare when left-back Abdelkarim Hassan again gave Al-Sadd hope, with his 25-yard effort finding the bottom corner.

Monterrey held on to secure victory and advance to a semi-final showdown with UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool.

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal advanced to the second semi-final, as the Asian champions overcame Espérance de Tunis.

Substitute Bafétimbi Gomis proved the matchwinner, with the Frenchman showing composure to put his side ahead in the 73rd minute.

Gomis lifted the ball over a sliding defender in the box, before slotting the ball into the corner of the Espérance de Tunis net.

The African champions were unable to find a leveller, despite Al-Hilal playing the conclusion of the match with 10-men after Mohammed Kanno was shown a red card after being booked twice in three minutes.

Al-Hilal progress to a semi-final against Brazilian side Flamengo, winner of the Copa Libertadores.