The hosts led 24-12 mid-way through the second-half, thanks to tries from Sebastien Taofifenua, Farid Sid and Sebastien Vahaamahina.

But things threatened to unravel as first Edwin Maka snatched a try for the visitors and then Leo was red-carded.

Toulouse instantly attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage but Perpignan held on and James Hook added two penalties to stretch his haul to 15 points.

The Catalan giants will now face the winner of Bath and Stade Francais, who play tomorrow.

Ten years ago the two sides met in the Heineken Cup Final with Toulouse claiming the ultimate prize in European club rugby.

And while this quarter-final encounter was in the Amlin Challenge Cup there was no telling in a fiercely competitive clash.

Just two players started at the old Lansdowne Road in 2003 and the repeat a decade later – Jean-Baptiste Poux and Nicolas Mas, who packed down against each other in the front row.

Perpignan were welcomed to rapturous applause at a red-hot Stade Aime Giral and the emotionally-charged atmosphere went up a notch following a minute’s applause for Samueli Naulu.

The Fijian former wing was tragically killed in a car accident last week having won French Championship honours with Perpignan back in 2009.

It took the hosts just two minutes to open the scoring with Wales fly-half Hook slotting a simple penalty.

Perpignan continued to dominate the opening exchanges, with Toulouse struggling to match their early pace and intensity.

Marc Delpoux’s men surged up field and, following a sustained period of pressure, Taofifenua bulldozed through two men and into the corner.

Hook converted superbly from the touchline to hand the hosts’ a commanding 10-0 lead, but Toulouse clawed their way back.

Lionel Beauxis chipped away with a hat-trick of penalties as indiscipline cost Perpignan dearly.

The France fly-half booted the visitors into the lead on 24 minutes and Perpignan continued to fall foul of Alain Rolland.

Beauxis was unable to stretch Toulouse’ lead, though, and Perpignan went in front shortly before the break after the mesmerizing footwork of Hook unlocked the Toulouse defence.

From close range, the illustrious playmaker sucked in several defenders before offloading to Sid on the angle. He then added the extras to bring the scores to 17-12 at the interval.

Perpignan came flying out of the blocks in the second-half with their replacements making a major impact.

Both Sona Taumalolo and Luke Narraway carried to good effect in the build up to the Catalans’ third try.

Hook almost put former Gloucester No8 Narraway over the whitewash and, after retaining possession, the Wales ace released Vahaamahina to score.

He was again on target with the boot and at 24-12 Perpignan were on course for victory. But Toulouse had other ideas and they cut the deficit to five points in controversial circumstances.

Yannick Jauzion made the initial break and he linked with Gael Fickou, who released Maka with an offload that appeared well forward.

Beauxis converted and matters deteriorated for the hosts when Leo was red-carded on 64 minutes.

The blindside flanker struck Gregory Lamboley with a stiff arm at the breakdown, which left Rolland with no option.

Toulouse kicked to the corner and laid siege to Perpignan’s line with a succession of scrums. But, after weathering the storm, the hosts earned a key penalty to clear their lines and minutes later Hook dissected the posts.

Fourteen-man Perpignan played the territorial game perfectly and Hook put the final nail in Toulouse’ coffin with just minutes to spare.