Persepolis wins league clash against struggling Machine Sazi

Tabriz, Nov 11, IRNA - Visitor Persepolis defeated the struggling side of Tabriz, machine Sazi, Sunday in the first-leg match of League Cup. In front of some 15,000 partisan spectators in Tabriz Takhti Stadium, the reds netted once in the second half to beat Machine Sazi at home. 
The host side's performance proved it felt no fear of playing the popular team of Persepolis and was determined to win the match. In the 24th minute, Pejman Jamshidi unleashed a powerful left shot passing dangerously the Machine Sazi post. 
The home team came close to scoring in the 38th minute but Ja'far Akbarpour missed the opportunity in the penalty area. 
Former national midfielder Karim Baqeri did not convert a penalty in the 57th minute as Machine Sazi keeper Dariush Esfandiari bounced back the ball. 
Striker Payan Ra'fat was the savior as he rose to head home in the 79th minute a Reza Jabbari volley, giving Persepolis a 1-0 win over Machine Sazi. The two sides are to play in the second-leg match on the pitch of takhti Stadium, south of Tehran, on November 15.