AFC Champions League: Al-Hilal's Giovinco sets up semi against Xavi's Al Sadd

Sebastian Giovinco secured Al-Hilal's place in the AFC Champions League semi-finals as they set-up a contest with Xavi's Al Sadd.

Al-Hilal overcame fellow Saudi Pro League side and two-time Champions League winners Al-Ittihad 3-1 on Tuesday, though had to fight back from behind.

Ziyad Al Sahafi put the visitors ahead on the night and on aggregate in the 10th minute, but Andre Carrillo hauled Al-Hilal level on the stroke of half-time.

The turnaround was complete three minutes into the second half - Carrillo turning provider as he crossed in for Salem Al Dawsari to head home.

But with Al-Hilal goalkeeper Abillah Al-Mayoof having kept out Hamdan Al Shamrani's close-range header, Giovinco's composed finish relieved the pressure and wrapped up the win.

Al-Hilal will be joined in the last four by Urawa Red Diamonds, who overcame Shanghai SIPG on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

Oscar and Marko Arnautovic were among the starters for Shanghai, though it was full-back Wang Shenchao who gave them hope by cancelling out Shinzo Koroki's header.

But without influential forward Hulk - who scored both of Shanghai's goals in the 2-2 draw in the first leg - Vitor Pereira's side lacked the cutting edge to muster another opening.

Indeed, it was Urawa who could have clinched a winner, with Daiki Hashioka rattling the crossbar as they ensured their spot in the semi-finals, where they will face either Guangzhou Evergrande or defending champions Kashima Antlers.