IPL title race goes to final days

MNA -Tehran-popular football club Persepolis bagged only one point from must-win home game against plucky Bargh of Shiraz in the 32nd week of Iran’s Professional League(IPL) here on Sunday.
The reds were held to a 1-1 draw before a crowd of 70,000 fans at the Azadi Stadium. Alireza Nikbakht Vahedi failed to score in the 27th minute when he controlled a cross into Bargh’s box and calmly put it in keeper Martin Raul’s hands.

Two minutes remaining before the break, Mohsen Khalili gave Persepolis a lead. He found a loose ball in the guest’s penalty box and stuffed a shot past Raul.

Farid Abedi poured cold water on Persepolis’ hopes in the 58th minute when his header slid passed the goal line, despite captain Karim Bagheri’s attempt to rebuff it.

Persepolis took more control afterward and created some opportunities but its players could not open Bargh’s goal once again.

Guests’ Mehdi Karimian was on the verge of scoring in the 68th minute when Mehdi Vae’zi punched a long ball out of Persepolis’ box; however, Bargh’s footballer incredibly passed the ball to the keeper.

Khalili could double the score in the 75th minute but his shot went over the bar.

Persepolis' Masoud Zar’ei also lost a good chance in injury time. He sent the ball out, whereas Raul had left his place.

Sepahan of Isfahan and Saba Battery drew 2-2 in Isfahan. Sepahan could boost title hopes if the team defeated Saba but failed to snatch three vital points.

Thus, the title race will go to the final days.

The IPL’s table stays without any change. Sepahan still tops with 55 points, followed by Persepolis with 53 points and Saba Battery with 52 points.

The 32nd week results are as follow:
*Persepolis 1 – Bargh of Shiraz 1
*Sepahan of Isfahan 2 – Saba Battery 2
*Pas of Hamedan 1 – Esteghlal 1
*Moghavemat of Shiraz 2 – Esteghlal of Ahvaz 2
*Abumoslem 1 – Shirin Faraz 0
*Rah Ahan 2 – Malavan of Bandar Anzali 1
*Peykan 1 – Mes 1
*Pegah of Gilan 1- Saipa 0
*San’at Naft Abadan 1- Zobe Ahan of Isfahan 1