Brazilian Rivaldo and dynamic midfielder Server Djeparov scored either side of Ilhom Shomuradov’s equaliser as Bunyodkor set a new Uzbek League record winning streak to move 17 points clear of second-placed city rivals Pakhtakor, who were held to a goalless draw by at Mash’al.

"Nasaf played well, especially in the second half when they defended well. If they had played like that for the entire match they even might have won," said Bunyodkor coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. "I am very happy and all the players are in a good mood. This is an unforgettable day for Bunyodkor’s players, this is a historic day."

At JAR Stadium, Jasur Hasanov rattled the Nasaf bar after 18 minutes, but the Asian Champions League quarter-finalists broke the deadlock seven minutes later as Rivaldo converted from the penalty spot for his league-leading 18th goal of the season after Artion Filiposian had handled.

Nasaf made a bright start to the second half and pulled level six minutes before the hour mark as Sergey Krot turned Batyr Koraev’s cross into the path of Shomuradov and the striker made no mistake.

Jose-Luis Villanueva twice fired wide as the home side pressed for a winner, which finally arrived following the introduction of Anvar Soliev. Fourteen minutes after entering the fray, Soliev set up Djeparov to convert from close range to secure the three points.