The former world player of the year struck in the 19th minute - his third goal in two games after scoring twice in his league debut last week against Mashal - to put Kuruvchi back in front after Iman Razaghirad had cancelled out Jose Luis Villanueva's opening goal.

However, a deflected free-kick from Kianoush Rahmati late in the first half pulled Saipa level to leave the Uzbeks in control of the tie going into next week's second leg in Tashkent.

Both teams went close to claiming the win in the second half, with Villanueva hitting the post and Kuruvchi goalkeeper Pavel Bugalo making several fine saves.

Kuruvchi took the lead after just 12 minutes when Server Djeparov's corner was met by Jasur Hasanov, who outjumped Saipa goalkeeper Vahid Sheikhveisi to flick the ball into the path of Luizao.

The Brazilian defender's effort came crashing back off the woodwork only for Villanueva to fire the rebound into the roof of the net.

Saipa only took six minutes to restore parity, though, when Razaghirad headed Omid Sharifnasab's inviting cross beyond Bugalo.

Barely a minute later, Rivaldo had put Kuruvchi back in front when he played a one-two with Villanueva before stroking the ball past Sheikhveisi.

But with six minutes remaining in the half, Saipa pulled level again, only this time with a large slice of good fortune as Rahmati's 25-yard free-kick was deflected past Bugalo by one of his own defenders.

Villanueva then hit the base of the left upright in the 55th minute before Mohammad Parvin and Jalal Hosseini went close for Saipa.

And Issa Traroe could have sealed the win for the Iranians in stoppage time, only for his header to be denied by a brilliant stop from Bugalo.