Ilhomjon Suyunov opened the scoring two minutes into the second half and substitute Alexander Geynrikh doubled their advantage from the penalty spot three minutes later to earn the Uzbek double winners their first pool win.

Pakhtakor goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov had to be alert in the opening stages to keep out fierce close-range efforts from Luay Salah and Mouslim Mobarak.

Nesterov again kept his side in it when he kept out Samal Saeed's shot two minutes before half-time.

The hosts finished the half on the front foot, however, and were rewarded for their endeavour soon after the interval.

Akmal Holmatov latched onto a free-kick from the left and teed up Suyunov, who blasted past goalkeeper Sarhank Mohsin.

Sarhank was again in the thick of the action shortly afterwards when he brought down Zaynitdin Tadjiyev in the penalty area and substitute Geynrikh coolly converted from 12 yards.

Although Pakhtakor eased up in the closing stages, they could still have had a third when Darko Markovic found himself well positioned but fired wide.