Bunyodkor have won comfortably with goals from Rivaldo, Jasur Hasanov and Denilson making it 3-0 win over last year’s finalists Al Ittihad.

The Tashkent giants’ heavy investment over the close season paid off as they completely outclassed a poor Al Ittihad side in the Group B clash at JAR Stadium.

Rivaldo scored early with only 4 mins on the clock following a surging run from Denilson.

They then doubled their lead in the 20th minute due to some poor defending when goalkeeper Tisir Al Antiaf’s mis-punched with the ball landing at Hasanov’s feet on the far side of the box.

His mis-hit shot bounced over a prone Denilson and evaded Osama Al Harbi on the line and dribbled into the net.

Bunyodkor netted a third in the 66th minute and again slack marking was to blame.

The visitors were awarded a penalty for a foul on Sultan Al Numare in stoppage-time but Mohammed Noor saw his effort come back off the inside of the post having sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

In the group’s other game, Igor Castro’s second-half header secured a 1-0 win for Zob Ahan over Al Wahda at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

In a game of few chances, the Brazilian broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a fine header to ensure the Iranians got off to a winning start.