The Tashkent giants' heavy investment over the close season paid off as they completely outclassed a poor Al Ittihad side in the Group B clash at JAR Stadium.

Rivaldo opened the scoring just four minutes in after a surging run from fellow Brazilian Denilson.

Denilson forged forward before feeding Victor Karpenko in the box and he laid the ball back first-time for Rivaldo to curl left-footed into the top corner from 25 yards.

Bunyodkor doubled their lead in the 20th minute due to some ordinary defending from the Saudi outfit as goalkeeper Tisir Al Antiaf's weak punch from Karpenko's cross landed at Hasanov's feet on the far side of the box.

The midfielder's mis-hit shot bounced over a prone Denilson and with Al Antiaf slow to regain his feet, the ball evaded Osama Al Harbi on the line and dribbled into the net although the defender should have cleared.

Bunyodkor netted a third in the 66th minute and again slack marking was to blame.

A deflected free-kick looped into the air and Al Harbi stood watching as Denilson - signed from Asian Champions League winners Pohang Steelers - headed his first goal for his new club.

The visitors were awarded a penalty for a foul on Sultan Al Numare in stoppage time but Mohammed Noor saw his effort come back off the inside of the post having sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

In the group's other game, Igor Castro's second-half header secured a 1-0 win for Zob Ahan over Al Wahda at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

In a game of few chances, the Brazilian broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a fine header to ensure the Iranians got off to a winning start.