In its debut match in the AFC Champions League Elite season 2026/27™, the Uzbek club Pakhtakor drew 1-1 with Saudi champions Al-Ahli. The game took place in Jeddah at King Abdullah Stadium in the King Abdullah Sports Complex.
From the first minutes, Pakhtakor was under strong pressure from the home team. Players Galeno and Ivan Toni approached the goal, but Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Vladimir Nazarov made several saves, helping the team hold on in the game.
In the 21st minute, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat set up Mateus Goncalves on the right flank, but the low shot was deflected by Nazarov. Pakhtakor mostly played deep in defense but almost capitalized on an opportunity in the 34th minute after a cross from Sherzod Nasrullaev; Hussein headed the ball wide of the post.
Al-Ahli increased the pressure before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Nazarov saved a shot from Galeno, and then Mateus Goncalves shot wide of the target. The first half ended without goals.
After the break, Pakhtakor became more active. Aymen Hussein shot from distance, and Bashar Rasan's attempt was blocked by Merih Demirali. Al-Ahli continued to create dangerous moments. In the 52nd minute, Demirali nearly scored with a header after a cross from Mateus Goncalves, and Eduard Spertsan could not create a dangerous moment from outside the penalty area.
Nazarov helped Pakhtakor again in the 67th minute, diving to save a low shot from Saad Yaslam, after which the ball went into a corner. Five minutes later, Al-Brikaan, who replaced Ivan Toni, had a chance to score after a cross from Eduard Spertsan, but shot wide.
Pakhtakor took the lead in the 85th minute. Substitute Flamariyon started an attack and continued his run into the box after a pass from Steven Chinedu. He lofted the ball over the advancing Eduard Mendy into the top corner of the goal.
Al-Ahli avoided defeat in the third minute of added time. Nazarov saved Eduard Spertsan's shot, but Al-Brikaan reacted first to the rebound and sent the ball into the net. As a result, Pakhtakor, returning to the tournament after missing last season, began its campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite with a 1-1 draw against the defending champions.
