Al Sadd – who had to come through the play-offs to secure their place in this year's edition – went in front seconds before the break at Al Sadd Stadium thanks to Korea Republic international Lee Jung-soo's exquisite volley.

The Uzbeks fought back after the break, however, and Temurkhuja Abdulkholiqov's header saw them back on level terms in the 56th minute.

Four minutes later, substitute Ali Arif proved the hero for the home side when he nodded in from close range before Pakhtakor's misery was further compounded with Komoliddin Tadjiev's late dismissal

“The first half was really very important for us,” said Fossati.

“In terms of quality, we gave a good performance tonight. We did a good job in the first-half. We had a solid defence. My strikers did a good job with the ball. So, we talked about it in the interval. We talked about improving in the second-half.

“We had good placing (of the ball) by the players. We passed well amongst ourselves. So, I think after that the strikers - from my point of view - did well despite some wrong decisions by the referee. Many times they (Rayyan) recovered the ball with fouls but the referee didn't see them.

“I repeat they are a very good team. We answered with good personality.”

Although he did not get on the score-sheet, Abdul Kader Keita pulled the strings for Al Sadd and Fossati paid tribute to the performance of his forwards.

“Today, the thinking of the strikers was different,” added the former Qatar boss.

“The quality went up. Normally they don't have this attitude but they played well today.”

Al Sadd now top the group alongside Al Nassr on four points but Fossati was not getting carried away with the result.

“After this game we can also say that the first point (from the previous game) was very important,” said the Uruguayan.

“We are not celebrating getting four points from two games. We have to qualify for the next round. This is my mentality when I play this kind of competition.”

Pakhtakor boss Ravshan Khydarov, meanwhile, felt his side were too wary of their opponents.

“The match was interesting and we played very well in parts. Our players gave too much respect to Al Sadd. I thought we were a bit cautious in the first-half,” he said.

“We did well in the second. We were aware of Al Sadd's strength in converting set-pieces and they have a lot of experience in their ranks. We didn't concentrate well and that resulted in us in conceding two goals. Our main problem lies in the mind.

“Our young players look a bit tense in big matches. I think we've four more matches in the group stage and hopefully we can do better.”