IFP Exclusive

Iran’s soccer champions Esteghlal get off to rocky start in new season

Iran’s Professional League (IPL) kick started a new season this week with a bout that put an end to the invincibility of the blues from the capital Esteghlal for the entire previous season.

Isfahan’s Sepahan FC edged past Esteghlal 2-0 at the Azadi stadium on Friday, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of the titleholders.

Both sides had a lackluster performance for almost all of the first half.

Sepahan’s Yassin Salmani took advantage of Esteghlal’s vulnerable defense line and made it 1-0 in the 52nd minute.

Ramin Rezaeian scored the second goal in the 57th minute.

Also on Friday, Anzali’s Malavan lost 1-0 to Paykan in Tehran, Nassaji and Mes Rafsanjan drew a 1-1 tie, Havadar defeated Aluminum 1-0 in Arak, and Mes Kerman took a drubbing by Naft Masjed Soleyman 3-2.

On Saturday, Zob Ahan will face Persepolis in Isfahan, Foolad will play Abadan’s Sanat Naft in a derby in southern city of Ahvaz and Gol Gohar will meet Tractor.

IFP Editorial Staff

The IFP Editorial Staff is composed of dozens of skilled journalists, news-writers, and analysts whose works are edited and published by experienced editors specialized in Iran News. The editor of each IFP Service is responsible for the report published by the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website, and can be contacted through the ways mentioned in the "IFP Editorial Staff" section.

Recent Posts

China-Iran relations strengthen amid global changes: Chinese ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Iran, Cong Peiwu, has reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to strengthening friendly cooperation…

56 minutes ago

Germany says examining ICC arrest warrant for Israeli PM

Berlin is still determining whether to abide by its obligations to the International Criminal Court…

1 hour ago

At least six Israeli soldiers commit suicide, thousands more get mental health treatment amid war: Report

At least six Israeli soldiers have taken their own lives in recent months, the Israeli…

2 hours ago

Britain suggests would comply with ICC warrant and arrest Israeli PM

The British government has announced it will comply with its obligations under domestic and international…

3 hours ago

12% of deaths in Iran attributed to air pollution, study reveals

Air pollution is currently the most significant environmental health risk in Iran, accounting for 12%…

3 hours ago

Ukraine starts talks with partners about advanced air defense systems following Russia’s IRBM strike

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to engage with partners on…

4 hours ago