Leandro Benitez was the match-winner, scoring in first-half injury time to give his side the lead before adding a second eight minutes into the second period.

Denilson set up a tense finish when he netted 19 minutes from time but Estudiantes were able to hold on for victory.

Rodrigo Brana had the first chance of the match, a 20-yard strike from an awkward position that Shin Hwa-Yong had trouble dealing with.

Mauro Boselli was next to try his luck, sending an athletic overhead kick against the crossbar before Benitez missed the target with the rebound.

Pohang started to find their feet thereafter and Denilson looked their most likely outlet.

Kim Jae-Sung and Kim Jung-Kyum then combined to test Roberto Fernandez, who was able to gather the latter's shot.

Enzo Perez and Boselli both wasted decent chances to put Estudiantes in front before Benitez curled home a 25-yard free-kick seconds before the break.

Benitez made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute and things took an even worse turn for the Steelers when Hwang Jae-Won received a second yellow card three minutes later.

Denilson made light of that loss to give his side a chance with his 71st-minute strike but within six minutes the Korean side had lost another two players.

Kim Jae-Sung was first to go moments after the goal and keeper Shin followed five minutes later to leave Pohang with eight men.

Estudiantes will play the winners of tomorrow's semi-final between Mexicans Atlante and European Cup winners Barcelona.