Paykan beats Esteqlal

MNA – National automaker Iran Khodro’s side Paykan did beat Iran Pro League holder Esteqlal 1-0 in the 13th week derby here on Sunday.

Striker Siavash Akbarpur should have put the blue-shirted Esteqlal ahead five minutes from interval when the advancing Paykan keeper Mohammad Mohammadi made a blunder, leaving Akbarpur alone with the unguarded net, but he hit the ball against the near post.

Paykan was also denied by the woodwork four minutes into second half. Morteza Aziz-Mohammadi unleashed a goal-bound drive, seeing the ball touch the crossbar after shaving Esteqlal goalie Vahid Taleblu’s tips.

The carmakers, however, celebrated the opener in the 68th minute. Esteqlal defenders failed to clear a Farhad Khangoli corner, giving Aziz-Mohammadi enough time and space on edged of the box to find the top right of the net with a neat unstoppable kick.

Forward Mohsen Bayatinia reveled in the Blues’ porous defense, dribbling past Taleblu and surprisingly hitting the ball against the near post.

Referee Mohsen Torki stopped Esteqlal players’ celebration for salvaging a draw, ruling out right winger Mehdi Amirabadi’s 78th minute equalizer as offside.

Esteqlal players trudged off the Azadi pitch, with some of over 10,000 fans protesting over their team’s lackluster performance.

Under-pressure manager Samad Marfavi talking to reporters blamed his men’s complacency for the unexpected defeat – the second of the season.

Despite the loss, Esteqlal retained the second spot in the 16-strong table on 27 points.

In another match, Saba Battery and the visiting Abu Moslem fought to a 1-1 tie.

Heavy snow postponed Zob Ahan-Rah Ahan match in Isfahan’s Fuladshahr Stadium.

On Monday, Pas entertains pacesetter SAIPA, promoted Mes hosts Esteqlal of Ahvaz, Persepolis visits Malavan, Fulad takes on visitor Barq, and home team Fajr-e Sepassi clashes against Sepahan.