FC Pakhtakor back to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010

Uzbek champions Pakhtakor face Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal FC in the second match of the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16 at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.

Pakhtakor returned to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010 after topping Group B with 10 points. The annulment of Al Hilal SFC’s results meant Pakhtakor had secured their place in the next round before kicking off their Matchday Six win over Shahr Khodro.

Despite failing to make it to the AFC Champions League twice in the past three years, Pakhtakor hold the record for most appearances in the competition amongst Uzbek clubs with 14 times. In fact only Al Hilal, Al Ain and Al Sadd amongst West Asia sides have played in more editions of the AFC Champions League.