AFC
Tashkent
Pakhtakor will be aiming to end their search for a win when they host Al Rayyan SC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 at the JAR Stadium on Tuesday at 5pm.
While Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor only have two points from their earlier three matches, Qatar’s Al Rayyan are in a bigger predicament after three defeats.
Speaking on eve of the match, coach Younes Ali said Al Rayyan must register their first victory to make a comeback in the tournament.
Straight defeats in their three opening games against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, FC Al Nassr and Al Ahli Saudi has Al Rayyan languishing in the bottom of 12-team West Zone with eight sides to progress to the knockout stage.
Ali said Al Rayyan must work hard to overcome the challenge of Pakhtakor, who have two points.
"I have watched Pakhtakor’s matches and they are a tough side. But we must give our best effort to win the match and make a comeback in the competition,” the Al Rayyan coach said.
"We had a difficult start with three losses but we played against formidable Saudi sides. Our preparations are good for the match and I am confident the team will show improvement,” he said.
Al Rayyan’s Abdulaziz Hatem echoed his coach views.
"We have no choice but to win this match. We performed well in the last three matches but ended up losing. Now, we know a victory is a must for us to keep out chances alive for the knockout stage,” he said.
Pakhtakor have also carried their inconsistent domestic form onto the continental stage with the reigning Uzbekistan champions struggling to make their mark in what is proving to be a tough campaign.
Stretching back to last season, Pakhtakor are on a four-match winless run and adding to their challenge is the fact that they have not won in their last six meetings with teams from Qatar.
While it will be the first meeting between the two sides, Al Rayyan will draw confidence from the fact three of four encounters with teams from Uzbekistan have ended in victories for them.