Uzbekistan made a perfect start to this year’s AFC Champions League, with Tashkent duo Bunyodkor and Pakhtakor securing impressive wins against Japanese champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Saudi Arabia's Al Ettifaq.Iran’s Sepahan and Tractor Sazi also got off to winning starts, while FC Seoul became the only K-League side to grab three points despite their country’s dominance on the Asian stage over recent years. Join FIFA.com as we take a close look at the action across the continent.
The big match
RESULT -Al Ain 3-1 Al Hilal
Inaugural winners Al Ain from Group D firmly stated their intention of securing a second Asian title, outmuscling ten-man Al Hilal at home. The hosts had the better of the opening stages, but Abdulla Al Dosary headed the visitors ahead against the run of play on nine minutes.It took the home side 18 minutes to equalise, midfielder Omar Abdulrahman levelling with a stunning volley. The Al Ain No10 turned provider shortly after the restart, crossing for Alex Brosque who gave his side the lead.Al Hilal was reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Salem Al Dawsari for fouling Brosque in the area on 55 minutes, and although Abdullah Al Sudairy saved Mirel Radoi's spot kick, the Al Hilal goalkeeper could do nothing with Asamoah Gyan's stoppage-time strike. In the section's other match, a plucky Al Rayyan came from behind three times to hold Esteghlal to a 3-3 draw.
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