TEHRAN – Iran Professional League (IPL) leaders Esteghlal football team defeated Havadar 2-1 on Friday.

In the match held in Karaj’s Enghelab Stadium, Rudy Gestede gave the visiting team a lead in the 11th minute but with five minutes left until the halftime, Mohammadjavad Mohammadi levelled the score.

Substitute Amir Arsalan Motahari scored the winner in the 84th minute.

Esteghlal were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute after the team’s defender Siavash Yazdani was shown his second yellow card.

Esteghlal lead the table with 38 points, three points ahead of Persepolis.