Iranian champions Piroozi had Ali Karimi to thank as they beat UAE's Sharjah in their Asian Champions League Group B encounter.

The former Bayern Munich midfielder scored one and was involved in the other two goals as Piroozi kicked off their quest for a place in the knockout phase of the competition with a comfortable win in front of their home fans at the Azadi Stadium.

The former Asian Player of the Year gave his side the lead in the 27th minute when he struck from 12 yards out after the Sharjah defence failed to clear the ball.

Three minutes later, Karimi's dummy gave Ali Vahedi Nikhbakt the time and space to find the bottom corner as Piroozi doubled their advantage.

The points were all but secured by Nelo Vingada's team by the 32nd minute, with Karimi again instrumental.

The mercurial midfielder, who recently retired from international football following a fall out with national team coach Ali Daei, split the Sharjah defence with a fine pass before the ball eventually found its way onto the head of Hadi Norouzi, who made no mistake.

Sharjah managed to pull a goal back nine minutes after the restart when Piroozi goalkeeper Mehdi Vaezi mis-read Mishal Wahab's free kick, the ball failing to connect with Salem Saif's head but still finding its way into the back of net.

The win gives Piroozi the perfect start as they aim to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition from a group that also features Al Gharafa of Qatar and Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab.