Tasnim - Brazilian defender Leandro Padovani struck in added time to give Esteghlal a 2-1 victory against Saipa football team in the 24th week of Iran Professional League in front of more than 5,000 fans at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Wednesday.
Five minute before the half time, Farshid Esmaeili converted Omid Ebrahimi’s cross with a wonderful header to give Esteghlal a lead.
Ezzatollah Pourghaz scored the equalizer in the 89th minute but it was not the end as Brazilian defender Leandro Padovani scored another header to give his side a valuable three points.
“We deserved the three points. It was an intense game and we conceded on our defense mistakes but we can’t afford to make mistake again. I’m completely satisfied with my players’ performance and I hope we could continue this run,” Esteghlal coach Alireza Mansourian told reporters in the post-match press conference.
This week’s other games will resume on Thursday and Friday as follows:
Thursday
Machine Sazi – Sanat Naft
Persepolis – Esteghlal Khuzestan
Zob Ahan – Naft Tehran
Friday
Gostaresh Foolad – Saba Qom
Siah Jamegan – Sepahan
Paykan – Padideh
Foolad – Tractor Sazi