Iran’s Women’s Premier League:
Persepolis edges Sepahan in women’s ‘Clasico’ to retain top spot
Somayeh Esmaeili netted a second-half winner to lead Persepolis to a 1-0 home win over Sepahan in the so-called ‘Clasico’ of the Iranian women’s top flight on Monday.
The victory saw the Tehran Reds, whose perfect start to the season was ended by a 2-1 away defeat to Gol Gohar Sirjan last week, retain top spot in the Iranian Women’s Premier League standings with 18 points from seven games.
Sepahan, meanwhile, remained fifth in the 10-team table with 10 points from six matches after suffering its second defeat of the campaign.
There was little to separate the two sides in a cagey first half at Tehran’s Shahid Kazemi Stadium, where chances were few and far between as the teams went into the break goalless.
Persepolis stepped up its game after the restart and began putting greater pressure on the visitors’ defense.
Their efforts paid off in the 55th minute when Esmaeili found the back of the net with a superb scorpion kick to put the hosts ahead.
The Reds continued to create chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. At the other end, Persepolis goalkeeper Zahra Khajavi produced a solid display to keep Sepahan at bay and preserve her team’s narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The Tehran outfit will now turn its attention to one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season, a home clash against 11-time champions Bam Khatoon next Monday.
Elsewhere, Gol Gohar was held to a goalless draw away to Ista Alborz but remained second in the table on 13 points, ahead of Esteghlal on goal difference.
Esteghlal came from behind to beat Ava Tehran 2-1 away from home and claim all three points, while Malavan secured a 4-2 victory over Palayesh Gas Ilam, ending a two-game losing streak and moving just above the relegation zone.