This was Bunyodkor’s first draw this year and, with six rounds remaining, the title looks well within grasp, thanks to their massive 17-point lead over Pakhtakor, who have a match in hand.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men now have 70 points and all but one point have been collected from their incredulous run of 23 victories.

AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov saved the blushes for his side with a brace in the 85th and 88th minutes after Arturas Fomenka and Alexander Vostrikov gave Almalyk a 2-0 lead.

Pakhtakor, who lost to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad in the continental semi-final, thrashed Sogdiana 5-1, thanks to goals from Bojan Miladinovic, Odil Akhmedov (two) Ruzim Akhmedov and Ilhomjon Suyunov. Mukim Tashmatov pulled one back for the losers.

In other matches, Lokomotiv beat Navbahor 2-0, Nasaf sidelined Metallurg 3-0, Andijan downed Dynamo 2-0, Bukhara lost to Kyzylkum 5-3 and Khorezm outclassed Mashal 2-1.

STANDINGS: 1. Bunyodkor 70, 2. Pakhtakor 53, 3. Nasaf 43, 4. Almalyk 39, 5. Neftchi 36