Match Report
Esteghlal, 3rd with 62 points, sat 42 points above Naft Masjed Soleyman (16th, 20). The last five rounds placed Naft Masjed Soleyman 6th in the league for form — higher than their 16th in the standings. Scoring rates set the scale: Esteghlal 1.73 scored and 0.73 conceded per game, Naft Masjed Soleyman 0.73 and 1.97, with the league averaging 1.
11 games without a win framed Naft Masjed Soleyman's arrival. Esteghlal had banked 10 of the last 15 points on offer; Naft Masjed Soleyman, 2.
Azadi Stadium staged the fixture, a ground that holds 100,000. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Esteghlal led 1-0 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 3-1.
Goal scorers
Esteghlal: A. Rezavand (4'), M. Ghaedi (54'), M. Ghaedi (90') · Naft Masjed Soleyman: Milad Sheikh Soleimani (90')
Key stats
Possession: Esteghlal 53% · Naft Masjed Soleyman 47% · Total shots: 8-14 · On target: 8-5 · Corners: 6-8