Pakhtakor Host Al-Hilal
Stadion Majmuasi, home to Uzbek Club Pakhtakor in Tashkent played host to the much fancied Saudi Club Al-Hilal last night. It was the 1st leg of the round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Elite. The hosts were the underdogs, but they proved it otherwise.
Al-Hilal Dominate But Can’t Score
Al-Hilal as expected dominated possession with a star-studded line-up. However, the precocious Uzbeks, who have surprised a lot of football critics kept defending and even surged into Al-Hilal territory, whenever the opportunity arose.
Flamarion Shoots For Pakhtakor
The breakthrough and the only goal of the match came in the 29th minute. Brayan Riascos won the ball against Al Bulayhi and slipped in a lovely cross to the waiting Flamarion in the 6-yard box. The Brazilian with his first touch buried the ball in the Al-Hilal net. It was quick work from Pakhtakor and the visitors were caught off-guard.
The Saudis Remain Without A Goal As Pakhtakor Defend
Al-Hilal continued to hold possession, almost 63%, but were not an incisive as they were expected to me. Pakhtakor not only defended well but strangled Al-Hilal in the midfield. The fact that Pakhtakor had more shots on goal (9) against Al-Hilal’s 8, is testimony to their solid play and man to man marking in the game.
Pakhtakor Win To Set Up An Interesting 2nd Leg in Riyadh
The match meandered with the visitors unable to find the equaliser. In the end, the Uzbeks ensured a massive victory over the visitors. The result will make the return leg extremely interesting when the teams return to play against each other on Tuesday, the 11th of March, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
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