Tehran Times - Sepahan football team and Persepolis drew 1-1 in Iran Professional League (IPL), with both teams in good form and looking to extend unbeaten streaks.
In the match held in Isfahan’s Naghshe Jahan Stadium, Sepahan started good but after 15 minutes, the visiting team controlled possession and kept Sepahan on their toes.
In the second half, Persepolis dominated the match once again but Sepahan midfielder Ezzatollah Pourghaz’s brilliant long-range left-footed effort opened the scoring in the 74th minute.
With one minute remaining, referee Alireza Faghani showed the spot for Sepahan’s defender handball.
Ali Alipour, Persepolis best goalscorer, equalized the match from the penalty spot.
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Sepahan forward Kiros Stanley and Persepolis defensive midfielder Kamal Kamyabinia were shown the red cards after involving in a bust-up in the dying moments of the match.
Sepahan returned to top with 30 points thanks to a superior goal difference over Padideh.
Persepolis are third, two points adrift of the leaders.
“I am proud of my players because the spirit they showed against Sepahan. Both teams fought for the win,” Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic said in the post-match news conference.
“It was like a derby for Persepolis and I am happy we extended our unbeaten run,” the Croat added.