Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side, who next week face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in an AFC Champions League Round of 16 clash, opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Rivaldo’s superb pass sent Stevica Ristic through on goal and, with just the goalkeeper to beat, the striker made no mistake as he smashed a shot into the roof of the net.

Samarqand equalised in the 62nd minute when Jafar Irismetov fired home from Ilhom Yunusov’s pass but Bunyodkor secured their fifth win from seven games when Alexey Nikolaev’s attempted clearance struck Akmal Bozorov and deflected into the back of the net.

Bunyodkor have 12 points, one ahead of Pakhtakor who drew 3-3 with Neftchi.

Aleksandr Geynrikh put Pakhtakor ahead after 23 minutes but Anvar Berdiyev equalised from the penalty spot three minutes later.

A 52nd-minute own goal by Islom Tuhtahujaev restored the lead for Pakhtakor but again Neftchi quickly levelled when Mansurjon Saidov scored two minutes later.

Aleksander Kletskov once again put the visitors ahead in the 65th minute and it seemed as though that goal would be enough to ensure Pakhtakor remained top of the table but Aziz Alijonov’s 90th minute goal rescued a draw for Neftchi.

Elsewhere, Nasaf eased to a 3-1 win over Andijan.