TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal football team earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over struggling Paykan in the Iranian Professional League (IPL) on Tuesday to move three points clear at the top.

Esteghlal Bolivian striker Vicente Arze opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Farzad Hatami doubled the lead just after the hour mark.

Esteghlal captain Farhad Majidi came off the bench to score his first goal in the 78th minute since he joined the Blues in the transfer window.

Esteghlal remained at the top of the IPL table with 46 points, followed by Traktorsazi with 43 points.

“I am satisfied with this victory and I think we played well in the second half. However, I think some people are not interested in seeing our achievement,” Esteghlal coach Amir Ghalenoei said.   

Sepasi drew 0-0 with Sepahan, Malavan defeated Damash 3-1 in Rasht’s derby, Mes and Aluminum played out a goalless draw, Rah Ahan was held to a goalless draw by Saipa, relegation-threatened Sanat Naft and Gahar drew 0-0, Zob Ahan lost to Naft 1-0 and Saba was held to a goalless draw by Traktorsazi.  

Persepolis will host Foolad on Wednesday in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

Video of Iran Pro League week 24