Tehran – Entering this past weekend, Esteghlal Tehran, Esteghlal Khuzestan, and Persepolis were tied with fifty-one points. There was one question on everyone’s minds: Which team will drop points?
Esteghlal Tehran were defeated 3-2 at home against Tractor Sazi. Cameroonian striker Aloys Nong scored the winning goal with eleven minutes remaining.
Persepolis earned a 4-2 victory on the road against Gostaresh Foolad. Winger Omid Alishah scored a brace for Persepolis late in the second half to earn a huge road win.
Esteghlal Khuzestan won 1-0 against Padideh in Mashad by way of a goal from midfielder Hassan Beyt Saeed.
The Iranian Pro League will conclude on 13 May and chances are that there will definitely be some drama in the final match day.
Persepolis will host Rah Ahan in what is surely to be an exciting match as Rah Ahan will be fighting to avoid relegation. Esteghlal Tehran will face Saba Qom on the road.
Esteghlal Khuzestan will take on Zob Ahan at home in what will be the biggest match in the short history of Esteghlal Khuzestan. The crowd at Ghadir Stadium in Ahvaz will need to be as loud as they can be in order to create trouble for the visitors from Isfahan.
How will Esteghlal Khuzestan play in front of their home fans? Will they play like they have played all season long? Will they be able to handle the pressure? Can Esteghlal Khuzestan become the Leicester City of Iran?
One thing for sure is that there will be some scoreboard watching the entire ninety minutes. A win by one goal may not be enough for Esteghlal Khuzestan if Persepolis is able to rout Rah Ahan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.
At the moment, Esteghlal Khuzestan and Persepolis both have fifty-four points but Esteghlal Khuzestan has a plus two advantage on goal difference.
No matter how the IPL season ends, all Iranian football fans will be able to tip their hats to Esteghlal Khuzestan, the feel good story of the year.