Tractor stunned by Shams Azar in Iranian top flight
Newly-promoted Shams Azar celebrated a first victory of the Persian Gulf Pro League season, walking away with a shock 3-2 win against Tractor in Tabriz.
Pouria Sarabadani gave the visiting side a surprise lead from the spot 17 minutes into game before Mohammadreza Rezaei double the advantage in the 33rd minute.
Amir-Mohammad Nesaei headed home Shams Azar’s third from close range two minutes after break.
New signing Mehdi Abdi pulled one back for the home side with a 70-minute penalty and Ricardo Alvez’s long-range effort reduced the deficit to one with eight minutes left on the clock, but it still proved too little too late as Tractor’s run of four successive victories came to an end.
Shams Azar is above bottom side Esteghlal Khuzestan with four points, while Tractor is third with 12 – three points adrift of Persepolis and Esteghlal.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Iraqi defender Muntadher Mohammed scored a late winner to lead Mes Rafsanjan to a 2-1 win at Zob Ahan.