Tehran Times - Persepolis and Tractor Sazi of Tabriz football teams have played out a tense goalless draw in Iran Professional League (IPL) on Sunday.
Persepolis were the better team in the first half and could have scored from a set-piece by their Iraqi midfielder Bashar Resan but Tractor Sazi goalkeeper punched away the ball.
In the second half, Tractor Sazi scored a goal by Ehsan Haji Safi but the goal was ruled out by the referee for offside.
“I am satisfied with the way my boys played against Persepolis. We were the better team in the second half and scored a goal. Of course, I respect the referee’s decision,” Tractor Sazi coach Mohammad Taghavi said after the match.
“Tractor Sazi need time to play as we want. I think we will be a better team in the future,” he added.
IPL leader Padideh, earned a late victory over Saipa in Mashhad thanks to a Mohammad Ghaseminejad’s 82nd minute goal.
Esteghlal defeated rock-bottom Esteghlal Khuzestan 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Rouhollah Bagheri in Ahvaz.
On Friday, Paykan lost to Foolad 3-2 in Tehran, Sepahan were held 1-1 by Machine Sazi in Tabriz, Naft Masjed Soleyman edged past Sepidrood in Rasht and Sanant Naft drew 1-1 with Nassaji in Abadan.
On Saturday, Zob Ahan lost their home match 1-0 to Pars Jonoubi.
Padideh remain top of the table with 29 points from 12 matches.
Sepahan are second with 26 points. Tractor Sazi sit third with 23 points and Persepolis remain fourth with 21 points with two games in hands.