Persepolis nudges ahead by winning crucial derby
The exciting 100th derby in Iran’s Premier League (IPL) ended in a 1-0 victory for Persepolis, as it won over Esteghlal F.C.
As exciting as the pre-match expectations were, neither team succeed in creating several chances, and the Reds used one of the few chances they created in the most perfect manner.
Isa Al Kasir grabbed Mehdi Torabi’s through pass, dribbling past Esteghlal’s defender Aref Gholami and making a shot towards the goal. The shot was deflected by another Esteghlal defender Saleh Hardani, hit the post and rested in the Blues net.
Both teams appealed for a penalty in the first half, as Esteghlal’s players and coaching staff were on the belief that the referee did not see a clear handball in the box in the sixth minute, and Persepolis players screamed for a penalty in the 44th minute as Esteghlal’s Kevin Yamga carelessly hit the Reds striker Mehdi Abdi.
Persepolis moved to first place in the IPL table with the crucial win, earning 57 points from 27 games. Sepahan and Esteghlal are in the second and third place, with 55 points. Sepahan has played 26 matches and will play against Malavan on Monday. The Reds are now close to winning the IPL race. Many pundits had predicted the winner of Tehran derby as the potential title winner, yet the quest for the title will go on for another three games and all three teams are planning to show their best form in the upcoming matches.