Goals from Rivaldo, Jasur Hasanov and Denilson saw the hosts’ superiority amply rewarded in the Group B clash as they lived up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Bunyodkor have brought in a number of new faces from both home and abroad and with the domestic season yet to get under way, the Tashkent outfit can only get better from here on in.

“We saw how our players could play,” said Scolari (pictured).

“They were more accurate when they had chances to score and I think we managed to beat the strongest team in our group.

“As I said yesterday (Tuesday), we have still not started our season and are lacking in competitive matches but despite this, our players performed well.”

Rivaldo opened the scoring after four minutes before some mediocre defending allowed Hasanov to double the lead in the 20th minute.

Denilson, recruited from last season’s AFC Champions League winners Pohang Steelers, then headed his first goal for his new club in the second-half to set the seal on an impressive performance.

“Our players are becoming more professional and we have proof of that now we have beaten Al Ittihad,” Scolari added.

“Al Ittihad is a very good team and can control the ball. It was very important not to let them to score the first goal. I want to congratulate all of my players with this win and with this performance.”

In truth, Al Ittihad were a shadow of the team that beat a path to last season’s final in Tokyo and there is plenty for coach Enzo Trossero to work on going forward, especially at the back.

But the Argentine conceded the Saudi side had been completely outplayed.

“Bunyodkor played very well, they beat us at every position,” he admitted.

“They controlled the game for 90 minutes. Bunyodkor are a strong team.

“Our players played too much like individuals rather than work as a team. I tried to make changes in the style of play but my substitutes were not able to do that.”