After losing two consecutive AFC Champions League games to Iran’s Zob Ahan recently, the Uzbek champions relinquished their grip atop the domestic league standings for the first time in more than two years.

A 1-1 draw with Shurtan saw them slip to second spot after three rounds.

Locomotive, who defeated Kyzylkum 1-0, now lead the standings on better goal difference. Muzaffar Umirzakov scored the match-winner for Locomotive.

Brazilian Denilson gave Bunyodkor the lead a minute before half time but AFC Champions League former all-time top goalscorer Zaynitdin Tadjiyev restored parity in the 75th minute.

Scolari asked his players to change their mentality and utilise the chances that come their way.

“My main aim would be change the players’ mentality. They lacked creativity and composure and played poorly today,” he said.

“We got five-six chances but failed to convert. My players looked in a hurry and made mistakes in the process.”

ACL ever-presents Pakhtakor moved to third in the 14-team standings with a 1-0 victory over Navbahor, thanks to a goal from Alisher Azizov.

Goals from Kamoliddin Murzoev and Sergey Krot helped AFC Cup side Nasaf beat Neftchi 2-0.

Three other matches between Dynamo-Metallurg, Andijan-Khorezm and Almalyk-Mashal ended in goalless draws.