Group A: Al Rayyan edge FC Istiklol in thriller

In an absorbing encounter, Mukhammadzhon Rakhimov put Istiklol in front but the Tajikistan side soon saw their lead wiped out by goals from Yacine Brahimi and Yohan Boli, only for Muhammad Isaev to draw them level. Al Rayyan, however, took the points thanks to Boli’s second of the night in the 71st minute.

Ever Banega opened the scoring for Al Shabab in the first half, before doubling their lead in the second, with Turki Al Ammar rounding off the night with his effort to bag all three points.

Semir Smajlagic’s tame shot after a quick break six minutes into the game and Akram Afif’s miscued attempt from inside the box six minutes later were the closest either side came to scoring in the early proceedings.

An early defensive mix-up allowed Edmilson Junior to take possession of the ball and fire into the top corner to give the Qatari side the lead inside seven minutes, but Leandre Tawamba restored parity within minutes with a fine lobbed effort before he set up Alvaro Medran’s late winner with a sublime backheel pass.

The Islamic Republic of Iran side saw plenty of the ball, with 67.4% of possession, but could not find a breakthrough against their Qatari opponents.

Group A: Al Rayyan edge FC Istiklol in thriller