Following a sluggish first-half, Al Hilal took the lead 10 minutes after the break at Pakhatkor Stadium when Seol Ki-hyeon was brought down in the box by a clumsy challenge from behind.

Mirel Rodoi despatched the penalty with aplomb but their joy was short-lived as Zaynitdin Tadjiyev’s close-range header restored parity for the hosts.

Both sides had further chances to nick all three points but the spoils were ultimately shared to leave the Uzbek side top of the table with a two-point cushion after overcoming Al Ahli last week.

And Djalilov had no complaints about the outcome.

“We tried to win but a draw was a fair result,” he said.

“I think both teams played at a high level. Both teams are experienced and they have played plenty of matches in the Champions League.

“I’m satisfied with the team’s performance but not with the result. Hilal are a good team with excellent players.”

Al Hilal coach Catalin Necula admitted he was left feeling a little hollow his side could not take advantage of their opportunities but was nevertheless satisfied with the display.

“We had many good chances to score but failed to convert them,” he said.

“But I would like to congratulate my players on producing a good performance. We played well but we could not win. Maybe next time we will play badly but we will win.”

Necula also felt Al Hilal benefited from a below-par performance from their opponents.

“I think we have not seen real power of Pakhtakor today,” he added.

“They played well and they were dangerous on set pieces but they can play much better.”

The result was Al Hilal’s second draw in the competition and third in succession and Necula was at a loss to describe his side’s inability to win games.

“We will try to beat Al Ahli in our next match,” he said.

“I don’t know why we drew for the third match in a row.”