TEHRANTIMES - Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic apologized to the team’s fans for their loss to Naft Tehran in Iran Professional League (IPL) on Thursday.

With three weeks to go, IPL leader Persepolis was defeated against Naft 2-0 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in front of about 90,000 spectators and moved down to third place.

“First, I congratulate Naft Tehran due to victory. They took advantage of our mistakes. We have to be ready for Gostaresh Foolad match which has been scheduled for the next 10 days,” Branko said.

“I am really sad because of the defeat. It’s not right time to lose. I am ashamed of our fans that we could not make them happy,” the Croat said.

“From now, title destiny is not 'in our hands' but we will never give up. We will do our best in the two remaining matches,” he added.

Elsewhere, Esteghlal defeated Saipa 2-1 and returned to top of table on goal difference, followed by Esteghlal Khuzestan who beat struggling Rah Ahan 3-1 and Persepolis.