It was Irgashev’s final game before Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari takes over the reins this week. The former World Cup winning coach, who has signed an 18-month deal, is expected to reach Tashkent on June 27.

The victory saw them increase their lead to six points after fellow ACL quarter-finalists Pakhtakor were held 1-1 by Khorezm. Bunyodkor are on 33 points while Pakhtakor are six adrift.

Chilean Jose Luis Villanueva’s two goals gave the defending champions a solid start and ace Brazilian Rivaldo became the league’s joint top goalscorer with a brace. He joined teammate Anvar Soliev, who also scored a goal, on seven goals.

AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov added one more goal to the team’s kitty.

S Raimjonov’s 32nd minute opener for Khorezm was cancelled out by Farhod Tadjiev six minutes from time.

In other games, Shurtan lost to Bukhara 4-2, Dynamo sidelined Lokomotive 5-0, Kyzylkum beat Sogdiana 3-0, Neftchi downed Metallurg 2-1, Mashal drew 1-1 with Nasaf and Almalik outclassed Andijan 2-0.

STANDINGS: 1. Bunyodkor 33, 2. Pakhtakor 27, 3. Almalik 26, 4. Nasaf 24, 5. Lokomotive 20.