The Uzbek side maintained their position at the top of Group A thanks to a Zaynitdin Tadjiyev header in the 38th minute and a strike by substitute Alexander Geynrikh 12 minutes into the second half.

“I’m happy with the win and I think that everyone who was at the stadium tonight enjoyed the game,” said Djalilov after Pakhtakor’s fourth win in five games in the competition.

“We have been playing attacking football in our last few matches. Tonight we did the same and you saw the result.”

Odil Ahmedov was replaced by Asror Aliqulov with 17 minutes remaining but Djalivlov said that his team captain had no injury problems.

“We replaced Odil because he is very important player not only for our club but for the Uzbekistan national team,” he explained.

“Today he did a lot of work on the field and we decided to let him have a rest.”

Geynrikh was also delighted with the result although he felt that the game was merely a prelude for the clash against Al HIlal in Riyadh later this month which will decide first place in the group.

Pakhtakor are two points clear of the Saudi side and only need a draw to secure first place and a home match in the round of 16.

“I’m happy that we beat our opponents tonight but our most important match is still in the near future,” said the Uzbekistan international striker.

“It will be a difficult match but we will be battling hard for first place in the group and I think we will do it.”

Al Ahli coach Ivan Hasek had no complaints about the result as his team remained in last place after their fourth loss in five games.

With his team out of contention for the last 16, Hasek gave many of his reserves a run-out, including only two players who started in the 2-1 home loss to Pakhtakor in the group opener in March.

“First of all I’d like to congratulate Pakhtakor on their win,” said the Czech.

“The first goal that they scored resulted from a mistake by our defenders but as a result of conceding that goal, the morale of our players went right down.

“Conceding the second goal totally demolished them.

“But I’m very happy with the performance of my young players. I believe that we could win many tournaments with them in the future.”