TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal was held to a 1-1 draw on Monday by Sepahan in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, where the Blues escaped from losing their home game by the skin of their teeth.

With two weeks remaining of the Iranian Professional League (IPL), Esteghlal scored an injury time goal to hold Sepahan in a mouth-watering match.

Sepahan was reduced to 10 men on 35th minute after defender Farshid Talebi received his second yellow card from referee Saeid Mozaffarizdeh.

Afterward, Esteghlal put the visiting team under pressure but lacked a cutting edge offense.

Esteghlal could have moved four points clear of its rival if the team beat Sepahan at home.

Esteghlal striker Iman Mousavi was sent off by the referee in the 86th minute.

In the injury time, Sepahan defender Reza Irannejad scored an own goal and poured cold water on hopes of the title-holder, but Esteghlal kept alive hopes of winning the title.

Esteghlal remained at the top of the IPL table with 64 points, one point more than Sepahan.

Elsewhere, Tractorsazi drew with Foold 1-1 and struggling Aluminum beat Gahar 1-0.

Video of Iran Pro League week 32