Urawa Red Diamonds edged past Leon in the FIFA Club World Cup to book a semi-final meeting with Manchester City.
Dutch forward Alex Schalk scored the winner for the Asian champions five minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute.
Leon captain William Tesillo was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card late on for the Mexican side, who faded after a bright start.
The Asian Champions, Urawa, take on European Champions Manchester City on Tuesday.
CONCACAF winners Leon were making their first appearance at the tournament, while Urawa finished third in the competition in 2007 and also participated in 2017.
Al Ahly and Al-Ittihad play later on Friday for the right to face Brazil’s Fluminense in the other FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on Monday.
