TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal was held to a 1-1 draw against Saipa in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium but returned to top of the Iran Professional League (IPL).

On Monday, Jaber Ansari gave Esteghalal a lead in the 62nd minute. He has scored in four consecutive matches for the Blues.

With eight minutes remaining, Ali Zeynal equalized the match.

Earlier in the day, Persepolis football team was held to a 1-1 draw against Naft Tehran at Takhti Stadium.

Milad Kamandani scored for Persepolis in the 40th minute but Mohammad Daneshgar was on target in the 73rd minute for Naft. Persepolis striker Mehdi Taremi missed a penalty in the 69th minute.

Branko Ivankovic men, who had numerous opportunities in this match, fell to 8th place in the league after this draw with 19 points from 13 games.

Elsewhere, Foolad secured just its second win of the season after beating Esteghlal Ahwaz 2-1. Tractor Sazi edged past Malavan in Anzali thanks to the 84th minute goal by Hamza Younes.

Zob Ahan climbed to third place with a comfortable 3-1 win over Padideh.

Video of Iran Pro League week 13