Trailing to an early own goal from Karim Benzema, Gallardo’s men fought back to draw level through Abderrazak Hamdallah late in the first half before Navbahor’s Toma Tabatadze put one into his own net to give Ittihad the win.

“We deserved the win today, because we were the more dangerous side in the match, especially going forward and were exceptional in the first 20 minutes,” said the Argentine.

“The players played a big match, and showed their character from the beginning. However, we conceded a painful goal at the beginning but the players produced a strong reaction to come back in the game.”

In a match which saw Ittihad hold more than 65% of ball possession and produced 22 attempts at goal, the final margin of victory left Gallardo bemused.

Entry into the last eight of the AFC Champions League meant a meeting against fellow Saudi side Al Hilal SFC and the 48-year-old knows that his team can ill-afford to be profligate in front of goal in the coming matches.

“We wasted a lot of chances today, something we will have to fix in the coming period, to score from the chances we get. What made me happy today is that the team stayed solid and its ability to reach the opponents’ goal.

“I don’t think now about the quarter final match against Al Hilal, we need to celebrate tonight, and start thinking about the next match against Al Wahda in the Saudi league, we don’t want to overthink.

Al Hilal will play host in the first leg of the quarter-final, to be played on March 5.