ACL ever-presents Pakhtakor, however, were held goalless by Andijan, putting pressure on coach Viktor Djalilov four days ahead of their AFC Champions League opener against UAE’s Al Ahli.

Chilean striker Jose Luis Villanueva opened the scoring for Amet Memet’s side in the sixth minute and the 27-year-old doubled the advantage three minutes later. Jasur Khasanov (67) and AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov (76) sealed the fate of Kyzylkum.

Bunyodkor will host Al Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia on March 11 in their AFC Champions League opener.

Lokomotive defeated Neftchi 2-1 to take second spot in the standings after two rounds as Pakhtakor slipped to third with four points. Olim Novkarov (7) and Muzaffar Umirzakov (81; penalty) were on target for Lokomotive while Sanjar Askaraliev reduced the deficit for Neftchi in the 75th minute.