"Our team played two different halves with Pakhtakor today where in the first, we controlled the ball and the game and created many scoring opportunities,” said Martins. "We did not take advantage of the opportunities as required as we only scored one goal, and the result did not reflect the performance of the team.

"In the second half we had fewer opportunities but we were organised defensively and kept a clean sheet. In the end we achieved a very important victory and I congratulate the players who made a great effort and implemented the instructions given to them and the agreed plan.

"The chances of qualifying for the Round of 16 are still open and many teams are still in the competition and we will focus on recovery and the next match in the local league before thinking about facing Al Ahli (Saudi FC in their final League Stage match).”

Moreira had to accept defeat on his debut as head coach of Pakhtakor, playing their first game of the season. 

With only two goals to show from seven matches and only two shots produced in the entire match against Al Gharafa despite fielding new striker Igor Sergeev, Pakhtakor will need to quickly sharpen their attack to avoid elimination. 

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game when we played as the away team. They (Al Gharafa) are usually a possession-based team, especially at home with the capability of scoring plenty of goals,” said Moriera.

“But that did not happen today. Our players played well. In the beginning we had some difficulty coping with Al Gharafa but we did better as the game progressed. We were unfortunate to have not scored from our chances as we could have drawn the game.

“We always play to win and Pakhtakor are a good team. We had a good second half and that’s an indication of how we want to play as a team in the future.”

Pakhtakor, on four points, have to beat Qatar’s Al Sadd SC on Matchday 8 to stand a chance of advancing while victory for Al Gharafa against Al Ahli will confirm their ticket to the Round of 16.