Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tashkent: Coach Samvel Babayan is looking for Uzbekistan champions Pakhtakor to mark their return to the AFC Champions League by claiming all three points in their Group B opener against tournament debutants Naft Tehran of Iran at Pakhtakor Stadium on Tuesday.
Having failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League for the first time in 2014, Pakhtakor secured a record 12th appearance in the continental competition after winning a 10th Uzbek League title in dominant fashion in 2014 by posting an unbeaten record.
Pakhtakor reached the semi-finals of the first two editions of the AFC Champions League in 2003 and 2004, but have since only progressed beyond the group stage in two of their last nine appearances in the competition.
“It is an important match for us, Naft is a good team, they are first in the Iran Pro League at the moment, but we will look to play attacking football and to win,” said Paktakor coach Babayan.
“In particular, Naft have a good team game, their players work for each other on the field and battle on the pitch.
“But we have studied our opponents very well and watched several games of the Iranian side, so we know their strengths and weaknesses. Our aim is to play our football and in a positive fashion so we can win.”
Babayan will be without defender Komoliddin Tadjiev who has been ruled out for the next two months with injury, although midfielder Vladimir Kozak has been given the greenlight to play after recovering from a knock suffered in training.
Iran’s domestic table-toppers Naft, who only reached the top tier of league football in 2010, are making their first-ever appearance in the AFC Champions League courtesy of a 1-0 win over Qatar’s El Jaish in last week’s play-off (pictured).
While Naft had finished in fifth place on two occasions in the Iran Pro League previously, a strong campaign last year saw them finish only three points behind champions Foolad Khouzestan and in third place ahead of Esteghlal.
“We are happy to be here and playing against one of the strong teams in Uzbekistan. Pakhtakor is a good opponent and they play good football, so I hope both teams can play a great game to entertain the fans,” said Naft assistant coach Gholamhossein Atashgah.
“Pakhtakor have good experience in the AFC Champions League, we know they have prepared well for this game, and Iranian clubs haven’t won against Pakhtakor in Tashkent before, so this shows they are a strong opponent.
“We have a plan for the match, though, and we will try to win the game. Pakhtakor play technical football but we can counter them.
“We are in good form now and the AFC Champions League matches are very important for us.”
Photo: WSG