A closely fought encounter between two evenly matched sides who are champions of their respective countries resulted in an engrossing Group B clash at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

Ultimately, though, it was the 2019 winners that had the final say after substitute Hattan Bahebri's late strike proved the difference.

With a draw looking the likeliest possibility at Al Janoub Stadium deep into stoppage time, midfielder Hattan Bahebri’s deflected shot settled matters against a 10-man Pakhtakor.

The result took defending champions Al Hilal to the top of Group B on nine points, with their opponents staying put in second place with six points. Should the reigning champions defeat Pakhtakor again on Thursday, they will guarantee progression to the Round of 16.

Both sides were positive from the start as the Uzbek champions and the Saudi Pro League champions set out to gain further ground on Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Shahr Khodro FC, the former having narrowly beaten the latter in the early Group B game on Monday.

Second half substitute Harib Abdallah Suhail scored the only goal of the night with 15 minutes remaining to give the UAE side their first three points of their 2020 AFC Champions League campaign.

The 2015 AFC Footballer of the Year Khalil said victory was important for his side, especially after the extended stoppage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only two editions of the AFC Champions League have ever witnessed the absence of both powerhouses; 2009 and 2012. Domestically Al Ain and Al Sadd are the most successful club sides in the UAE and Qatar respectively.

A slow start to the 2020 edition meant that Al Ain, most recently in the final in 2016, find themselves bottom of Group D without a single point going into Matchday Three, but with additions such as Angolan winger Wilson Eduardo, Al Ain are hoping to rekindle the spirit of that run to the final.

The Iran Pro League champions had a slow start to their continental charge, losing to Al Duhail SC 2-0 then settling for a 2-2 draw against Sharjah back in February, putting them at risk of early elimination for the second year running.

With back-to-back encounters against Al Taawoun to manoeuvre over the next four days, Persepolis’ hopes of progressing to the next round might be fully dependent on collecting points against the Saudi King’s Cup champions.

Two points separate the two sides with Al Duhail in second place on three points, and Sharjah bottom of the group on one point, and the two sides are eager to get their continental restart underway with a win.