The Uzbeks are the only team to have competed in every edition of the tournament since 2003 and got this campaign off to the ideal start with Artur Gevorkyan's 59th minute strike settling the encounter.

"The difference between yesterday and tonight is that we have three points," said Pakhtakor coach Miodrag Radulovic.

"It is a very good start and we now hope to carry forward this confidence.

"It is always nice to win an away game, however, it is still a long way."

Al Ain coach Toninho Cerezo was pleased with the performance of his players despite the defeat.

"We played well for most of the game and came back strongly after conceding the goal. But they defended well," said the Brazilian.

Sepahan of Iran drew 1-1 at Saudi side Al Shabab in the group's other game.

Seyed Hosseini put Sepahan ahead in the 13th minute but Al Shabab rescued a point when Faisal Al Sultan levelled in the 69th minute.

"The match was one of the most beautiful games in the first round of the current competition," said Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei.

"The players of both teams have shown fine performance with many chances to score."

Al Shabab coach Jaime Pacheco had no qualms with the result, saying: "My players have done what we wanted them to do and I am happy with their performance in this match."