“Bunyodkor” presented great present for anniversary. Actually, “Al-Wahda” - “Bunyodkor” match was the 100th match for Uzbek clubs in Asian Champions League. 

Al Wahda (UAE) - Bunyodkor (Uzbekistan) 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Denilson 37 (0:1), Denilson 85 (0:2), Al Kathiri 89 (1:2)
Yellow Cards: Matar 24, Khasanov 25, Juraev 33, Joao Victor 43, Haidar Alo Ali 49, Al Kathiri 88, Al Kamali 90+2, Nesterov 90+3
Al Wahda (Abu Dhabi): Adel Al Hosani, Yaqoub Yousif (Khalid Jalal 72; Al Kathiri 82), Al Shehhi (Ahmed Ali 59), Fernando Baiano, Matar, Madhafar, Basheer Saeed Al Hammadi, Andre Pinga, Haidar Alo Ali, Abdulraheem Jumaa, Al Kamali
Bunyodkor (Tashkent): Nesterov, Gafurov, Haydarov, Rivaldo, Denilson (Melziddinov 90+2), Khasanov, Karpenko, Juraev (Kovalev 84), Ismailov, Joao Victor, Djeparov (Kapadze 86)
Referee: Abdullah Balideh Baloushi (Qatar)
9 March. Abu Dhabi. Al Nahyan Stadium. Attendance 4 952

Scolari did not made any changes in starting 11, compare to first match day game against “Al-Ittihad”, while “Al-Wahda” coach made five changes, compare to lost match with Iranian “Zob Ahan”. “Bunyodkor” controlled ball confidently on match starting minutes, but soon “Al-Wahda” equalized play. First, home team defenders put offside, but on 12 minute “Al-Wahda” most dangerous forward Ismail Matar ran to penalty area, but at last defenders was able to resist him. Five minutes later Arabian playmaker Anrde Pinga shot wide after Said Al-Hammadi pass.           

“Bunyodkor” had first real scoring chances on 20 minute. Khasanov passed to penalty area from the wing. Next the ball kicked to Denilson, after Djeparov striving with home defender. But Brazilian forward shot wide. Eight minutes later Rivaldo passed nicely to Jasur Hasanov, Hasanov tried to cross to penalty area and “Al-Wahda” Oman defender Hassan Madafar touched the ball by hand. But referee showed corner kick, not a penalty.    

“Al-Wahda” returned Ismail Hatar skillful run and powerful shot. But Nesterov took the ball out of the pitch.  

Next “Bunyodkor” took advantage and created several scoring chances. Denilson, Rivaldo and Djeparov played nice combination, Djeparov shot from acute angle – Odil Al-Hosani saved. But soon, “Bunyodkor” netted opening goal. Karpenko crossed from the right and Denilson scored from header after Al-Hosani mistake going for the ball – 0:1. Before half time whistle blown, “Bunyodkor” had three good chances. First, Victor Karpenko ran into penalty area and shot, but home team keeper saved. One minute later Joao Victor shot little wide. And on first minute of additional time “Bunyodkor” served corner, but ball went wide after Anvar Gafurov header.          

On second half home team had total advantage and tried to equalize. “Al-Wahda” controlled the ball well in the middle, while “Bunyodkor” played counter-attack tactic. Anyway, in the middle of the second half, “Bunyodkor” had a good chance. Server Djeparov made nice long pass to Denilson, but his header was wide again. In next counter-attack Jasur Hasanov decided to pass to Denilson instead shooting and the chance was wasted. In return, Abu-Dhabi side played good long passes combination. Arabian top striker Ismail Matar shot to top corner, but Nesterov tipped the ball away. Soon “Al-Wahda” wasted another good chance due Haydar Alo Ali bad passing play. Home team rushed to attack to save the match, but missed “Bunyodkor” fast counter-attack. Hasanov produced great run and gave powerful shot. Home keeper kicked the ball away, but straight to Denilson, who did not missed great chance. 2:0 to “Bunyodkor” and match seemed to be decided.     

But “Al-Wahda” had not given up yet. Said Al-Katari surpassed Anzur Ismailov and left no chance to Nesterov, skillfully kicked the ball in – 1:2. UAE championship leader attacked hard till final whistle, but “Bunyodkor” held the result and gave perfect present to Uzbekistan football fans.