The-AFC.com: FC Bunyodkor postpone FC Pakhtakor party

The long-awaited coronation of runaway Uzbekistan Super League leaders FC Pakhtakor has been put on hold, after they were beaten by city rivals Bunyodkor with the title up for grabs.

Coming into the match 10 points clear, and with a game in hand, Shota Arveladze’s side would have been an unreachable 13 points clear of second placed Nasaf had they prevailed in Thursday’s clash, but a Nurillo Tukhtasinov brace, coupled with two late Pakhtakor send offs meant there would be no early end to the title race.

Adding to Pakhtakor’s frustration, the upcoming FIFA international window means they won’t have another chance to seal their second title in a row until November 20, when they host Kokand-1912.

Despite their loss – their first in the league in 18 matches – it would take a disastrous loss of form for Pakhtakor to miss out on the title, with four more opportunities still lying ahead when their national team contingent return from Dubai in just over a week.