Tehran Times - Esteghlal football team missed a chance to close the gap on Persepolis at the top of the Iran Professional League (IPL) on Saturday.
Former Esteghlal striker Goran Jerkovic found the back of the net in the 44th minute.
The Blues were dominant in the second half and created several chances but failed to score.
In the 65th minute, the Esteghlal’s player was brought down in the area and Omid Ebrahimi converted his penalty into the goal.
Elsewhere, Esteghlal Khuzestan edged past rock-bottom Machine Sazi 1-0 in Ahwaz.
Hassan Beitsaeid scored the winner in the 34th minute.
On Sunday, IPL pacesetters Persepolis will play Naft Tehran at the Takhti Stadium.
Persepolis lead the top with 50 points, five points clear of Tractor Sazi.
Esteghlal are third with 41 points.