Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tashkent: Coach Mirdjalal Kasimov insists Bunyodkor will look to quickly stamp their authority on Wednesday’s AFC Champions League quarter-final second leg against Adelaide United with the Uzbekistan champions looking to secure a return to the semi-finals following last month’s 2-2 draw in Australia.
Bunyodkor were caught out by an unusual attacking approach from Adelaide in the first leg as Kasimov’s side found themselves two goals down after just 16 minutes at Hindmarsh Stadium in their first appearance in the quarter-finals since 2009.
But after Reds defender Nigel Boogard was sent-off just before half-time following a foul on Kamoliddin Murzoev, Jasur Khasanov struck from the resulting free-kick before Shavkat Salomov netted in the second half to swing the tie in favour of Bunyodkor.
“We have to show our own game and not look at our opponent. We have to forget the result in Adelaide and we must score first with an early goal, and after that we should avoid mistakes in defence,” said Kasimov.
“The game will depend on the midfielders. If we can take control of the centre of the field and our midfield can play well, we will win. Adelaide play well on the counter-attack, so if we can stop that, I think we will win.”
Bunyodkor and Adelaide have met five times in the AFC Champions League in recent years after being reunited in the Group Stage this year following the Reds’ 3-1 aggregate victory in the 2008 semi-finals – which included a 1-0 second leg win for the Swallows at Jar Stadium.
“We played Adelaide four times previously and they always started defensively. This time in the first leg they started a little more offensively and they changed their tactics. I think they are very good, they have many good midfielders and they always play very quick, but I hope that we can play our game and show our style,” added Kasimov.
“It will be very difficult for both teams as both teams are very strong. I think Adelaide will play offensive football even though we played a 2-2 draw in the last game.
“But we will play our game and I think we will have chances to score. We have to do our best to score more goals.”
Unlike Adelaide, who do not begin their A-League season in Australia until Sunday, Bunyodkor have played two games in the Uzbek League since they first leg, with wins over both Bukhoro and Metallurg Bekabad lifting Kasimov’s side a point clear at the top the table.
“Playing so many games is not a problem; we have been in the same situation all year,” he added. “All the players are professional and they will have to show their character and skill.”