Arash Borhani scored for the visitors just seven minutes into the match. One minute later, Esteghlal defender Hanif Omranzade was sent off due to a handball in the penalty area.
Esteghlal keeper Mohammad Mohammadi denied Davoud Haghi’s penalty kick with a perfect save.
In the 63rd minute, Esteghlal defender Amirhossein Sadeghi scored an own goal and equalized the match.
Esteghlal will face arch rival Persepolis next week at the Azadi Stadium.