Pakhtakor reaches AFC Champions League knockouts, despite modest record

Yesterday, February 17, the final round of the AFC Champions League Elite Tournament concluded, determining the teams advancing to the knockout stage. Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor secured a place in the next round following a crucial victory and favorable results from other matches.

Pakhtakor’s Playoff Hopes Become Reality

In the decisive eighth-round match, Pakhtakor hosted Qatar’s Al-Sadd in Tashkent and claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory. However, their fate still depended on the outcomes of their closest rivals. As the final whistle blew across other venues, fortune favored the Uzbek club.

Persepolis, one of Pakhtakor’s direct competitors, played to a goalless draw (0-0) against Saudi powerhouse Al-Nassr. Meanwhile, Al-Gharafa suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Al-Ahli. These results ensured that Pakhtakor’s points tally was sufficient to progress to the next round.

Potential Opponents in the Knockout Stage

The draw for the Round of 16 will be finalized today, February 18. Pakhtakor’s next opponent will be either Al-Ahli or Al-Hilal, depending on the results of today’s remaining matches.

Al-Hilal is set to face Al-Wasl at home, while Al-Rayyan will take on Iran’s Esteghlal. The outcome of the Al-Rayyan vs. Esteghlal match could impact the tournament standings, but regardless of the result, Pakhtakor’s position remains secure. If Esteghlal wins, Persepolis will be eliminated due to an inferior goal difference, further consolidating Pakhtakor’s qualification.

Pakhtakor’s Performance and Financial Earnings

Pakhtakor’s journey through the group stage has been anything but dominant. The Tashkent club recorded just one win, four draws, and three losses in eight matches, advancing with only a single victory. Their goal tally stands at four scored and six conceded—a modest record for a team of their stature.

Despite this underwhelming performance, Pakhtakor has significantly strengthened its squad for the new season, adding several foreign reinforcements and former club players. The upcoming Super League season and the ACL Elite knockout stage will serve as key indicators of the team’s progress.

From a financial standpoint, Pakhtakor has secured $1.1 million in prize money:

• $800,000 for participating in the group stage
• $100,000 for defeating Al-Sadd
• $200,000 for reaching the Round of 16

The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for March 3-4, where Pakhtakor will aim to defy expectations and extend its campaign in Asia’s premier club competition.