In the headline clash of Round 10 in the Iranian league, Esteghlal beat table-toppers Sepahan 2–1 away from home. The match at Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium stayed thrilling to the very end — with plenty of goals and twists.
Uzbek players were also in the spotlight. For Esteghlal, Uzbekistan national team defender Rustam Ashurmatov had an unlucky moment: in the 14th minute he diverted the ball into his own net for an own goal. Still, it didn’t break the visitors’ spirit.
Another Uzbek, Jaloliddin Masharipov, came on from the bench in the 73rd minute. Interestingly, one of the very last moments of the game also revolved around him: in stoppage time he was substituted off again.
The game was decided in added time: Esteghlal scored in the 90+3rd minute to snatch a crucial win. As a result, the Tehran club moved to 25 points and climbed to 3rd place. Sepahan remain top with 30 points.
Iran Pro League, Round 10
Sepahan — Esteghlal 1:2
January 1, Naqsh-e Jahan
Goals: Ashurmatov (14, own goal) — Asani (10, penalty), Khalizadeh (90+3).
Esteghlal lineup: Adan, Hardani, Fallah, Ashurmatov, Gudarzi, Razzaqinia (Masharipov 73, Gholami 90+6), Chashmi, Asani, Munir, Kushki (Khalizadeh 63), Nazon (Saharxizan 63).
In short, Esteghlal shook the title race: beating the leaders away is not just three points — it’s a psychological blow. For Ashurmatov it was a “hard lesson,” while for Masharipov it turned into a “short but interesting” comeback.
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