TEHRAN – Esteghlal football team defeated struggling Machine Sazi in Matchday 18 of Iran Professional League (IPL) on Wednesday.

In the match held in Tabriz’s Bonyan Diesel Stadium, Esteghlal defeated their host 2-0 but stayed at third place.

Mohammad Naderi and Arsalan Motahari scored two goals for Esteghlal in the first half.

Paykan edged past Zob Ahan 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Mohammaadamin Darvishi in the 56th minute.

Nassaji also beat Saipa 1-0 in Ghaemshahr. Mahmoud Ghaed Rahmati scored the only goal of the match in the 86th minute.