IPL’s second-placed team lost to Foolad 4-1 at the Takhti Stadium.
Siamak Sarlak gave a lead to Foolad in the 16th minute. Arash Afshin scored Foolad’s second goal in the 31st minute. Reza Noroozi opened Esteghlal’s goal four minutes later, and Ali Hamoudi rubbed salt into the Tehran-based team’s wound in the 38th minute.
Esteghlal pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute by Farzad Ashoobi.
The team’s arch-rival Persepolis was defeated by Saba 4-1 at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.
IPL leader Zob Ahan beat Mes of Kerman 1-0 in another match.