Pakhtakor, who lost 1-0 to Almalyk in the previous round, now trail the leaders and fellow ACL quarter-finalists Bunyodkor by 17 points with a match in hand.

A penalty from Brazilian ace Rivaldo and a strike from AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov helped Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side record their 20th consecutive victory beating Nasaf 2-1. Ilhom Shamuradov pulled one back for the losers.

AFC Cup quarter-finalists Neftchi recorded a 2-0 win over Navbahor, thanks to goals from Sardor Mirzaev and Alisher Halikov.

In other matches, Shurtan beat Lokomotive, 3-2, Almalyk thrashed Bukhara 5-0, Andijan sidelined Khorezm 4-2, Dynamo defeated Sogdiana 3-0 and Kyzylkum were held 0-0 by Metallurg.

STANDINGS: 1. Bunyodkor 60, 2. Pakhtakor 43, 3. Nasaf 34, 4. Neftchi 33, 5. Almalyk 32.