Persepolis loses to Tractor, Esteghlal held [VIDEO]

Tehran Times – TABRIZ, Tractor Sazi defeated Persepolis in the Iranian Professional League (IPL) and moved to the top of the table thanks to a goal from Karim Ansarifard.

The players observed a minute’s silence in Tabriz’s Yadegar Emam Stadium in honor of the victims of earthquake in Bushehr.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck about 40 miles northeast of Bushehr on Thursday, killing eight people and injuring about 45.

It was a sweet revenge for Tractor Sazi. The Tabriz-based team lost to Persepolis 1-0 at the beginning of the IPL current season in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

Persepolis defenders failed to clear a bouncing ball in the 41st minute and unmarked Karim Ansarifard found the back of the net.

“We didn’t deserve to lose the match. Persepolis played better in the second half. We created some chances but our strikers didn’t take advantage of them. I also believe that the referee denied us two penalties,” Ali Daei said in the post match news conference.

Esteghlal was held to a goalless draw by Gostaresh Foolad in Tehran.

Elsewhere, Foolad played out a goalless draw against Sepahan, Mes beat Rah Ahan 2-0, Saipa lost to Damash 3-2, Naft defeated Fajr Sepasi 2-0 and Malavan beat Saba 2-1.

Tractor Sazi moved to the top of the table with 29 points on goal difference, followed by Naft and Esteghlal.

Watch the highlights from PFDC TV.