Tehran Times - Persepolis restored their four-point lead at the top of the Iran Professional League (IPL) after edging past Gostaresh Foolad 1-0 in front of more than 25000 fans at Tehran’s Azadi stadium on Monday.
Mehdi Taremi was on target for Persepolis in the 76th minute with a massive shot from inside the penalty box.
Elsewhere in Ahvaz, IPL reigning champions Esteghlal Khuzestan were held to a 1-1 draw against Sepahan.
Masoud Hassanzadeh scored for Sepahan in the 25th minute from the penalty spot but Esteghlal Khuzestan’s new signing Aloys Nong scored the equalizer just before the half time.
The hosts could have completed their come back in the 80th minute when the referee awarded them a penalty but Mehdi Momeni missed it as the game finished in a draw.
In Isfahan, Zob Ahan beat Foolad 1-0 thanks to a first half goal by Mohammadreza Hosseini. They are now in the third place, five points behind second spot Tractor Sazi.
Elsewhere, Padideh and Naft played out a goalless draw and Saipa defeated Siah Jamegan.
Persepolis are currently at the top with 41 points followed by their main title rivals Tractor Sazi with 37 points. Zob Ahan, Esteghlal and Sepahan are three to fifth respectively.