Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tashkent: Coach Sergey Lushchan is looking for Bunyodkor to go the distance in their second meeting with Saudi Arabian champions Al Nassr on Tuesday after the Uzbek League side let slip a two goal lead to draw 3-3 in their Group B opener in Riyadh last week.
Reigning AFC Youth Player of the Year Dostonbek Khamadmov had scored his second goal of the game to give Bunyodkor a 3-1 lead with 15 minutes remaining at the King Fahd International Stadium.
But a strike from outside the area five minutes later by Yahya Al Shehri and Hussain Abdulghani’s 85th-minute free-kick ensured the points were shared.
“We played well in the first half against Al Nassr in Riyadh, but our physical condition didn`t let us continue that form second half,” said Lushchan (pictured).
“It is always a big pity when you give up two goals and thereby victory in the last 10 minutes of a match.
“Our second meeting, therefore, is a very important match and I hope the team can show the good, attacking football which our fans like to see and secure a victory.”
While Bunyodkor’s domestic season will only begin this weekend, Al Nassr are more than mid-way through the Saudi Professional League.
The defending champions, though, are some way off the pace following their 1-1 draw with Al Wahda on Saturday which leaves Al Nassr seventh and 16 points behind leaders Al Hilal.
New Al Nassr coach Raul Caneda did rotate much of his starting 11 for the domestic fixture, and just five who played in the continental opener faced Al Wahda.
“Some of my players have slight injuries and I hope all of them can play tomorrow. Nevertheless, we are hoping to take three points from this game and we have come here to Tashkent to do that,” said Caneda, who has replaced interim Al Nassr coach Rene Higuita following Fabio Cannavaro’s earlier departure.
“Bunyodkor have a lot of new and young players who have the potential to reach a very high level and this is clearly a very tough group in the AFC Champions League.
“Despite the league form, the players’ spirit is good and we will certainly play for the win. If we get on a winning run I think it will be very difficult to stop us.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports