TEHRANTIMES - Persepolis was left to rue a poor finishing after a goalless draw against Esteghlal in the Iranian Professional League (IPL) on Friday.

Neither Esteghlal nor Persepolis was able to produce a goal in the first half. The Iranian giants played a lackluster game in front of about 100,000 spectators in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in the first half.

In the second half, Persepolis was the better team and created some chances but its strikers failed to score.  

“We lacked cutting edge in this match. Persepolis should have won the match, however, I am satisfied with our players,” Persepolis coach Yahya Golmohammadi said in the post-match news conference.

Elsewhere, relegation-threatened Gahar lost to Sepasi 3-0 in its home game, Aluminium edged Saipa, defending champion Sepahan beat struggling Paykan 2-0, Traktorsazi was held 1-1 by visiting Zob Ahan, Saba defeated Sanat Naft 3-2, Damash lost 1-0 to visiting Mes, Foolad beat Rah Ahan 2-1 in a home game and Naft defeated Malavan 2-0.

Esteghlal maintained its lead at the top of the IPL table with 43 points, followed by Traktorsazi and Foolad.

The legendary defender of AC Milan and Italy, Franco Baresi, who has been invited by Persepolis club, attended the match.

Esteghlal and Persepolis have played against each other 76 times, with Esteghlal winning 24 games, Persepolis taking 18 victories, and 34 matches ending in draw.

Video of Iran Pro League week 23