Iran`s Esteghlal, Persepolis play out another lackluster goalless draw

TEHRAN,Sept.7(MNA) – Esteghlal and Persepolis played out a goalless draw in the eighth week of the Iranian Professional League (IPL) on Friday. In a lackluster performance that left about 100,000 spectators at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium disappointed, neither Esteghlal nor Persepolis was able to find the net. In the second half, the two teams played a little better. But Esteghlal midfielder Jlloyd Samuel squandered a good chance after the hour mark. Persepolis striker Payam Sadeghian also missed a chance two minutes later. Esteghlal and Persepolis have played each other 77 times, with Esteghlal winning 24 games, Persepolis taking 18, and 35 matches ending in a draw. Elsewhere in the IPL, first-place Foolad defeated Zob Ahan 1-0 thanks to a goal from Bakhtiar Rahmani, Naft edged past last-place Mes 1-0, Fajr Sepasi was held to a 2-2 draw by Damash, newly promoted teams Gostaresh and Esteghlal Sanati drew 1-1, Saba lost to Tractor Sazi 3-1, Sepahan and Rah Ahan played out a 0-0 draw, and Malaven was humiliated 3-0 by visitors Saipa.