Tehran – The Iranian Pro League season is winding down and Esteghlal was held to a scoreless draw at the Azadi Stadium against Sepahan on 10 April. The race is very tight and any slip-up at this point of the season is crucial. Were Persepolis and Esteghlal Khuzestan able to take advantage of the Esteghlal’s scoreless draw?
In Bandar Anzali on 9 April, hosts Malavan were desperately trying to get a positive result against Persepolis. The score was tied 1-1 after only ten minutes.
Honduran forward Jerry Bengston converted a penalty for Persepolis in the 7th minute but Jalal Rafkhaei scored a penalty for Malavan three minutes later.
The score remained tied at halftime and all the way until the 90th minute when Persepolis midfielder Kamal Kamyabinia scored to give Persepolis a huge 2-1 victory.
One day earlier, Esteghlal Ahvaz took on Esteghlal Khuzestan in the Ahvaz Derby. As expected, the match was tight and tied 0-0 at the interval but midfielder Hassan Beyt Saeed scored the only goal of the match in the 70th minute to give visitors Esteghlal Khuzestan a vital victory.
The win for Esteghlal Khuzestan means they are once again at the top of the IPL Table with forty-six points. Esteghlal Tehran and Persepolis are tied with forty-five points but Esteghlal holds the tiebreaker on goal difference.
The much anticipated Tehran Derby will take place on Friday 15 April between Persepolis and Esteghlal in what should be thriller. Esteghlal Khuzestan will host Naft Tehran one day earlier.