Esteghlal Crowned Iran Champions

Playing in front of 110,000 fans in the Azadi Stadium, Esteghlal Shocked Bargh with two goals in the opening 13 minutes. Reza Enayati scored his 20^th goal of the season in the 10^th minute, when he headed home a cross by Nikbkhat Vahedi. Esteghlal was 2-0 up 3 minutes later. A free kick by Akbarpour ended up in the back of the net after a mistake by Bargh goalkeeper who was later substituted due to tactical reasons.

Bargh had a chance to pull one back in the 27^th minute but Mehdi Shiri’s free kick was saved by Taleblou on the goal line.

Esteghlal could have scored their 3^rd in the 36^th minute when Nikbakht unleashed a shot from inside the area after going past two Bargh defenders. However, Nikbakht’s shot was saved by Haj Oskoei.

Bargh had another chance to reduce the deficit early in the second half, but Razmi forced Taleblou in Esteghlal goal to produce a great save in the 50^th minute. The rebound by Razmi hit the post and was cleared by Esteghlal.

Kazemi nearly sealed the championship for Esteghlal in the 65^th minute, but his shot from 30 yards out hit the cross bar with Bargh goalkeeper beaten.

Esteghlal didn’t have to wait much longer before they were confirmed the champions. In the 73^rd minute a beautiful pass by Kazemi put Akbarpour through on goal, and he made no mistakes with his finish to put Esteghlal 3-0 up. Esteghlal celebrated their title with a 4^th goal in the 76^th minute, with Enayati scoring his 21^st goal of the season.

Bargh tried its best to spoil the party in the 83rd minute when they were awarded a penalty kick, but Taleblou produced a great save. Bargh did eventually pull one back with the last kick of the match, but it was too little too late. The game finished 4-1.

Pas who was also in contention for the championship beat Saba 4-2, with a hattrick by Meysam Maniei but it was too little for Pas who needed Esteghlal to lose points against Bargh.