Photo: Paxtakor
For the first time participating in the AFC Elite Champions League, "Paxtakor" secured a spot in the 1/8 finals of the tournament.
The representative of Uzbekistan achieved its first victory in the tournament by defeating "As Sadd" (2:1) thanks to a double from Colombian striker Brayan Riascos in the last round.
The team's advancement to the next stage depended on other matches, and results satisfying the "lions" were recorded in those games. Specifically, the Saudi giants, who had already secured their playoff spots ahead of time, did not lose in their last match, officially confirming "Paxtakor's" advancement to the 1/8 finals. "An Nasr" played to a draw with "Persepolis" (0:0), while "Al Ahli" triumphed over "Al Garafa" (4:2).
As a result, "Paxtakor," having collected 7 points in 8 matches, ensured that they would not drop below 8th place (8 out of 12 teams advance), becoming the first Uzbek club to play in the Elite OChL playoffs. The opponent in the quarter-finals will be "Al Hilol" or "Al Ahli".
Currently, there are 7 confirmed spots in the Western region — "Al Ahli," "Al Hilol," "An Nasr" (all from Saudi Arabia), "As Sadd," "Ar Rayyan" (both from Qatar), "Al Vasl" (UAE), and "Paxtakor" (Uzbekistan).
The last 8th participant will be an Iranian club. If "Istiqlol," where Jaloliddin Masharipov plays, does not lose to "Ar Rayyan" on February 18, they will advance to the next stage. If "Istiqlol" loses, "Persepolis," where Oston Oʻrunov plays, will compete in the playoffs.
