Djeparov opened the scoring from the spot in the 18th minute and ace Brazilian striker Rivaldo doubled the advantage 12 minutes later. Djeparov made it 3-0 two minutes from time and completed his hat-trick in the stoppage time.

The victory took Bunyodkor to 69 points, seven more than defending champions Pakhtakor who defeated Mashal 3-1.

Pakhtakor fell behind due to an Ilhom Shamuradov strike four minutes into the restart but a brace from Odil Ahmedov (69, 78) gave them a 2-1 lead and Alexander Geynrikh made it 3-1 from the spot nine minutes from time.

In other games, UzDongJu lost to Lokomotive 3-0, Neftchi downed Shurtan 2-0, Sogdiana lost to Metallurg 2-1, Nasaf defeated Navbahor 2-1, Bukhara lost to Andijan 2-1 and AGMK beat Kyzylkum 2-0.

STANDINGS: 1. Bunyodkor 69, 2. Pakhtakor 62, 3. Neftchi 50, 4. Andijan 41, 5. Mashal 39.