Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men have turned in below-par results both in the fledgeling Uzbek League as well as the AFC Champions League.

But Friday’s big win - enabled by goals from Server Djeparov, Jasur Hasanov, Rivaldo and Stevica Ristic - saw Bunyodkor re-establish their control atop the standings.

Bunyodkor are now on 10 points, three clear of Pakhtakor, who are grappling with their own set of problems and were held to a goalless draw by Andijan a day earlier.

Locomotive, the erstwhile leaders, are stuck on seven points.