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Central Asian Powerhouse Pakhtakor Clash with Emirati Giants Al Wasl in Champions League Opener
The stage is set for an epic AFC Champions League clash as Uzbek champions Pakhtakor host UAE powerhouse Al Wasl in the opening group stage match on September 17th. Pakhtakor’s raucous home ground in Tashkent will be rocking as they look to start their continental campaign with a statement victory.
The hosts come in red-hot, having just secured their 10th Uzbekistan Super League title with a blistering 25-game unbeaten run. Spearheaded by prolific Brazilian striker Luiz Gustavo’s 28 goals, Pakhtakor’s attack has been virtually unstoppable. Their rock-solid defense, marshalled by veteran Uzbek international Rustam Ashurmatov, conceded a miserly 17 goals all season.
However, Al Wasl will be no pushovers. The Dubai-based club are currently in scintillating form themselves, sitting top of the UAE Pro League after 8 games. Their marquee summer signing, Spanish legend Álvaro Morata, has hit the ground running with 6 goals already. Compatriot Dani Ceballos has been pulling the strings in midfield to supply a steady stream of chances.
This opening clash has all the makings of an instant classic. Pakhtakor’s fervent home fans will be dreaming of getting one over their wealthy Emirati opponents in front of a global TV audience. Though a wise old Uzbek proverb says, “The flame that burns twice as bright, burns half as long” – can the hosts keep up their blistering pace?
I’m predicting an entertaining 2-2 draw to kick off the group in style. Al Wasl’s quality should allow them to grab a road point, but Pakhtakor’s cohesive unit and partisan support could well prove the difference. Buckle up—this could be a Champions League classic!
