Holmatov shines as Neftchi destroy Bukhara

The rout, kickstarted by Holmatov in the 19th minute, took Neftchi to 34 points at the top of the table, two ahead of defending champions Pakhtakor who easily defeated Andijan 3-1.

Server Djeparov hit a brace and Alexander Genyrikh scored one in Pakhtakor’s win.

Kuruvchi stayed in touch with the top-two with a 4-0 mauling of Shurtan.

In other matches, Mashal edged Traktor 2-1, Kyzylkum beat Metallurg 1-0, Nasaf ran out 1-0 winners against Tupalang and Vobkent scraped out a solitary goal win against Navbahor.

STANDINGS: 1. Neftchi 34, 2. Pakhtakor 32, 3. Kuruvchi 29, 4. Mashal 26, 4. Kyzylkum 25