"Paktakor" reaches the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Elite League.

The representative of Uzbekistan achieved their first victory in the last round by defeating "Al-Sadd" (2:1), thanks to a brace from Colombian striker Brian Riascos.

The team's advancement to the next stage depended on the outcomes of other matches, which played out favorably for the "lions." The Saudi giants, who had already secured their playoff spots, did not lose in the final round, officially ensuring "Pakhtakor" a place in the Round of 16. "Al-Nassr" drew with "Persepolis" (0:0), while "Al-Ahli" defeated "Al-Gharafa" (4:2).

As a result, with 7 points from 8 matches, "Pakhtakor" cannot finish lower than 8th place (with 8 out of 12 teams qualifying for the playoffs) and has become the first Uzbek club in history to reach the playoffs of the AFC Champions League. In the Round of 16, their opponent will be either "Al-Hilal" or "Al-Ahli."

Currently, 7 participants for the next stage have been determined in the Western Zone: "Al-Ahli," "Al-Hilal," "Al-Nassr" (all from Saudi Arabia), "Al-Sadd," "Al-Rayyan" (both from Qatar), "Al-Wasl" (UAE), and "Pakhtakor" (Uzbekistan).

The last, 8th participant in the playoffs will be from Iran. If on February 18, "Istiklol" with Jaloliddin Masharipov does not lose to "Al-Rayyan," they will advance further. In the event of a loss, "Persepolis" with Oston Urunov will take their place.