Pakhtakor, who defeated Latvian side FK Ventspils 9-8 on penalties in last year’s final, made the perfect start against the 2006/07 Azerbaijan double winners with Ildar Magdeev breaking the deadlock with just three minutes gone.

Rahid Amirkuliev equalised for Khazar three minutes later and after Anvarjon Soliev had restored Pakhtakor’s lead in the 27th minute, 31-year-old Khazar forward Zaur Ramazanov struck with two minutes of the first-half remaining to ensure that the two finalists went into the break on level terms.

Brazilian Diego Sousa made it 3-2 for the Europeans four minutes into the second-half and although Islom Inomov restored parity in the 57th minute Sousa’s compatriot Mario Sergio Sousa grabbed the winner eight minutes later.

"The final match was very interesting as both teams played open football," said Pakhtakor coach Ravshan Khaydarov.

We had some difficulties in defence because I fielded some young players but this tournament was very important for us."