TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal football team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Tractor Sazi in Iran Professional League (IPL) on Saturday.

The Blues lost to the Tabriz-based team without their coach Amir Ghalenoeim, who was forced to stay in home due to his knee’s injury and some key players including Javad Nekounam and Fabio Januario.

Flavio Lopes opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Esteghlal keeper Mehdi Rahmati failed to clear the striker’s header and the Portuguese put the loose ball in the back of the net.

Tractor Sazi put the visiting team under pressure in the second half but the team’s players could not take advantage of their chances.

In second-half injury time, Milad Fakhreddini chipped the ball over Esteghlal keeper Rahmati and made it 2-0.

Elsewhere, Paykan and Mes played out a goalless draw, Zob Ahan lost 1-0 to Aluminum and Malavan edged Saipa 1-0.

Persepolis will play Rah Ahan on Sunday in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

Video of Iran Pro League week 12