Esteghlal wins PGL 2012-2013 [VIDEO + PHOTOS]

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, The Esteghlal football team lifted the Iranian Professional League (IPL*) title at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Friday.

Esteghlal suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Damash in full-packed stadium.

Esteghlal midfielder Hassan Ashjari curled a fantastic free kick into Damash goal in the 31st minute. Mohammad-Reza Mahdavi equalized the match in the 67th minute. Hossein Ebrahimi was on target for the visiting team in the 80th minute.

Iranian giant Esteghlal had clinched its third IPL title earlier this week following a 1-0 victory over Foolad in Ahvaz.

Foolad also booked a berth in the play-off of the AFC Champions League after the team drew with Naft in Tehran.

Elsewhere, Sepasi was held to a 2-2 draw by Rah Ahan, Saba lost to Mes 1-0 in home, already relegated Sanat Naft defeated already relegated Paykan 2-0, already relegated Gahr lost to Saipa 3-0, Malavan was beaten by Zob Ahan 1-0, Sepahan drew 2-2 with Aluminium and Tractorsazi defeated Persepolis 3-1.

At the end of the 2012-13 IPL season, Esteghlal sealed the title with 67 points, Tractorsazi became runner-up with 65 points and Sepahan finished in third place with 64 points.

Below you can view a video of the title celebrations from PFDC TV.

* = PGL = Persian Gulf League