“Bunyodkor” had amazing start in AFC Champions League 2010, crushed last tournament finalist “Al-Ittihad” Jeddah.

Bunyodkor (Uzbekistan) – Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) 3:0 (2:0)
Goals: Rivaldo 3 (1:0), Hasanov 21 (2:0), Denilson 66 (3:0)
Yellow cards: Al Shamrani 18, Noor 42, Djuraev 50, Haydarov 57, Rivaldo 70, Ismailov 81
Bunyodkor (Tashkent): Nesterov, Gafurov, Haydarov, Rivaldo, Denilson, Hasanov (Kapadze 88), Karpenko, Djuraev, Ismailov, Joao Victor, Djeparov (Soliev 90+2)
Al Ittihad (Jeddah): Al Antaif, Al Shamrani, Aboshgair (Al Numare 84), Ziaya, Aboucherouane (Chermiti 67), Hadid (Al Rahab 63), Khariri, Noor, Al Saqri, Al Montashari, Al Harbi
Referee: Benjamin Williams (Australia)
23 February. Tashkent. “Jar” arena. 7 500.

Nobody expected opening goal to be scored so fast. But, it’s not easy to predict anything in football. “Bunyodkor” netted opening goal on third minute. Six footballers participated in scoring attack. First Aziz Haydarov took the ball from rival player and passed to Joao Victor. Next ball came to Denilson after Joao Victor – Djeparov good passing. Denilson passed to open Jasur Hasanov, who saw “Bunyodkor” captain Rivaldo in good position. Rivaldo amazing shot and the ball is in the net! Brilliant play, you can see it again and I again and enjoy!     

After conceded goal, ACL finalist rushed to attack. On 9 minute Aboucherouane shot very dangerous from free kick, but Nesterov saved confidently. Next “Bunydokor” had dangerous free kick too. “Bunyokdor” player took free kick and the ball came to Victor Karpenko. His powerful shot looked like scoring shots to “Pohang Steelers” net in last year quarterfinal legs, but Al Antaif tipped the ball away hardly.        

But next attack was successful for “swallows”. Rivaldo passed several opponents and kicked the ball to the wing to Victor Karpenko. Victor crossed to penalty area, Al-Antaif took the ball away by fist, but ball came straight to Jasur Hasanov, who shot to open goal. Away defender was late to clear the ball away of the line – 2:0.  

Now “Al-Ittihad” had now way except to rush to attack to save the match. But “Bunyodkor” defense easily repelled away team attacks. Oman forward  Abdumalik Ziaya header was the most dangerous moment till half time whistle, but Nesterov saved it confidently.

In second half “Al-Ittihad” attacked much to equalize, but “Bunyodkor” had several good chances to use away team mistakes in defense. First Nesterov splendidly saved after Abdumalik Ziaya dangerous shot. On 58 minute Denilson took Djeparov one on one with the keeper after Sahob Juraev good pass, but Server shot little wide from acute angle. Next Al-Antaif saved after Rivaldo dangerous header, but anyway “Bunyodkor” netted third goal just in next attack. On 66 minute Hasanov took free kick, the ball kicked of defenders and came to Denilson who scored from header – 3:0. It’s the biggest sensation of ACL 2010 first match day!

On 89-minute Djeparov could net the fourth goal, but shot wide and high. And “Al-Ittihad” got a penalty after return attack. Sultan Al Namure went into the penalty area and fell down to grass, striving with Victor Karpenko. But “Al-Ittihad” failed to net Nesterov’s goal today – Muhammad Noor shot on the bar. So, Final score was 3:0. “Bunyodkor” continued good tradition – team won every debut home match in ACL tournaments. But this time it was not usual debut. It’s really superb debut!