TEHRAN - Iran's international superstar, Ali Karimi, scored his first goal since his return to Persepolis and he chose a great moment to do it: two minutes from the end of the Tehran derby against rivals Esteghlal.The 65th derby between Tehran's two popular clubs, Persepolis and Esteqlal, resulted in yet another tie at a packed Azadi stadium. Two minutes into the game, Hossein Kazemi, made Esteqlal's first goal attempt by taking his chance from distance, but it went just wide. Following the incident the Reds were the dominant side possessing the ball in Esteqlal's ground. A long-range shot by Karim Baqeri hit the Blues' post in the 6th minute. On the 12th minute, Ebrahim Tore missed Perseoplis' best opportunity in the first half, after receiving the ball from Captain Ali Karimi. Karimi missed an excellent opportunity for Persepolis in the 33rd minute. Receiving a cross pass from Baqeri, he dribbled past Esteqlal defender Hashem Beigzadeh but his shot went over the bar. But right after the break, Arash Borhani put the Blues ahead in the 46th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to put Esteghlal 1-0 ahead. Both teams had chances to add to the scoreline. With Esteqlal leading 1-0, Persepolis were staring defeat in the face. Persepolis increased pressure on Esteqlal firing one after another and missing chances from the 18-yard box. Alireza Nikbakht-Vahedi hit an Esteqlal post, Karimi missed a gilt-edged chance and Borhani should have scored at least one more. With time almost over, Karimi sent the Red fans wild with delight with his equalizer and denied the Blues a famous win. Persepolis are in fourth while Esteghlal are in seventh though the season is still young. Zob Ahan are in second after a 6-3 thrashing of a struggling Saipa side. Sepahan won 1-0 at Rah Ahan while Pas and Malavan drew 0-0. Leaders Bargh won the previous day.
