Esteghlal defender Ali Ansarian dives in front of of Persepolis midfielder Hossein Kaabi. Photo by Mehr.

TEHRAN: Defending champions Esteghlal were held 1-1 by Persepolis in the Tehran derby and prevented from moving into pole position in the Iran Pro League after the 23rd round recently.

Watched by a crowd of nearly 80,000 fans at the Azadi Stadium, Persepolis took the lead in the 13th minute through Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht who outjumped the others to head in a cross from the right. But three minutes before this goal Mehrzad Madanchi had a spotkick saved by Esteghlal goalkeeper Vahid Talebloo after Hossein Kaabi was hacked down in the box.

However, Esteghlal equalised on the stroke of half time through Ali Alizadeh from a freekick for a share of the points and joint leadership of the league with Saipa on 46 points.

In other matches, Esteghlal Ahvaz edged Zob Ahan by a solitary goal, Pas and Abo Moslem ground out a 1-1 draw, Sepahan destroyed Peykan 1-0, Foolad were beaten by Saba Battery 1-0, Rah Ahan drew with Mes 1-1 and Malavan lost to Fajr Sepasi 2-0. STANDINGS 1: Saipa

46, 2. Esteghlal 46, 3. Esteghlal Ahvaz 39, 4. Sepahan 35, 5. Persepolis 34