Persepolis, Esteghlal Victorious in Iran Professional League

IPL leader Persepolis defeated Sepahan 2-1 at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in front of more than 70,000 cheering fans.

Mehdi Taremi was tripped in the penalty area by Sepahan Brazilian goalkeeper Lee Oliveira in the 56th minute and the referee showed the penalty spot.

Taremi opened the scoring after he received a short pass from Ramin Rezaeian from the penalty spot.

Sepahan possessed the ball after conceding the goal and equalized the match in the 81st minute.

Mehrdad Mohammadi was brought down by Persepolis defender Mohammad Ansari in the area and substitute Taleb Rikani converted the penalty.

With three minutes remaining, the referee showed Sepahan’s spot after the visiting team’s captain Ehsan Hajisafi fouled on Taremi and was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.

Rezaeian found the back of the net from the spot to seal a 2-1 victory for Persepolis.  

Persepolis moved nine points clear at the top of IPL.

Earlier in the day, Esteghlal cemented its position in IPL third place after defeating Zob Ahan 2-0 in Isfahan’s Foolad Shahr Stadium.

Farshid Esmaeili was on target with a header in the 23rd minute and Behnam Barzay doubled the scoreboard in the 79th minute.

Foolad also drew 2-2 with Gostaresh in Ahvaz’s Ghadir Stadium.

On Friday, Siahjamegan will host Tractor Sazi, Saipa play Saba, Sanat Naft face Padideh and Machine Sazi entertain Naft Tehran.