Uzbek clubs Neftchi and Pakhtakor both suffered defeats in Matchday 3 of the AFC Champions League Elite league stage. Neftchi lost 2-1 at home to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, while Pakhtakor were beaten 1-0 away by Iraq’s Air Force SC.
Neftchi took the lead in the 17th minute, when Jamshid Iskanderov converted from the penalty spot.
Al Ittihad equalised before half-time through Houssem Aouar in the 34th minute. The Saudi side then scored the winner in the 90th minute, with substitute Youssef En-Nesyri securing their first victory of the campaign.
Neftchi remain on three points after three matches. The Fergana club opened their league-stage campaign with a 1-0 home win over Air Force SC before losing to Al Nassr and Al Ittihad.
Pakhtakor, meanwhile, were beaten away by Air Force SC. Iraqi captain Saad Abdul Ameer scored the only goal of the game in the 70th minute following a free-kick routine.
Pakhtakor were awarded a penalty in the first half for a handball by an Air Force defender, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
It was the Tashkent club’s first defeat of the league stage. Pakhtakor had drawn both of their opening matches 1-1, against defending champions Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah, and now have two points from three games.
On Matchday 4, Neftchi will face Iran’s Tractor at a neutral venue in Muscat on November 2, while Pakhtakor will host Al Nassr in Tashkent.