Persepolis defeat Esteghlal 4-2 in Iran Professional League

Tehran's giants Persepolis defeated arch rivals Esteghlal 4-2 at Terhan's Azadi Stadium, to gain top position in the Persian Gulf standings for the 1st time this season. 

The reds netted twice in each half to beat the blues 4-2 in the 82nd derby of Tehran on Friday and be the new Iran Pro League table-topper in the 26th week.

Branko Ivankovic’s men kicked off the game as the better side and took the upper hand from the beginning. It didn't take the reds more than 6 minutes to open the scoring, thanks to Mehdi Taremi who sailed the ball past goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati and into Esteghlal’s net.

A perfectly timed header from Taremi put Persepolis 2-0 ahead of Esteghlal in the 34th minute. 7 minutes before the break Hanif Omranzadeh brought down Mohsen Bengar in the penalty area as the referee pointed out to penalty spot. Taremi forfeited the chance though as Rahmati could collect the ball.

8 minutes into the second period Persepolis added one more to take a 3-nil lead thanks to a proper header by Ramin Rezaeian. Esteghlal pulled one back 2 minutes later, when Khosro Heydari crossed from the left flank and the wet ball slipped out of Sosha Makani's hands, before Jaber Ansari opened  an empty net in the 55th minute.

with 5 minutes left on the clock Mehdi Taremi and Mohsen Mosalman found them selves in a two on one situation with Esteghlal's goalie and Taremi passed the ball on the floor for Mosalman who left foot at the ball to silence Esteghlal's crowd.

It was not the end of the game. With one minute remaining, Esteghlal midfielder Omid Ebrahimi scored from the penalty spot  to make it 4-2.

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