Perspolis overcomes stubborn Malavan in Azadi

PLDC - The Red Giants of Tehran overcame the relegation strugglers Malavan of Anzali in Tehran with Hussein Kaabi’s only goal in the 73rd minute.

Perspolis that was looking for its 3rd consecutive victory to stay among the top four of the league, had a slow start allowing the guests to come close on three occasions but it was the young Perspolis keeper, Haghigi that saved Perspolis from going down early.

Malavan which is desperately looking for points as they are feeling the heat in the bottom of the table, were the better side at the first half and looked more determined to score but the score-board stayed at 0-0 at the end of the first 45 minutes.

As the second half started, Perspolis looked to control the game and passed the ball more confidently and even came close when Kaabi hit the post from close range from a cross from the left. The Reds that looked far from their ideal form struggled to create many chances but the next real chance was converted by the danger man Hussein Kaabi that beautifully send the ball into the back of the net after a nice set of passes by its teammates and a great cross by Robert Saha.

Malavan then pushed forward to salvage a point but Perspolis’s defense kept focus and the Reds looked into counters and it was one of these counter-attacks on the 89th minute that a Penalty-Kick was awarded to Perspolis after Malavan defender handed the ball inside the box, but Badamaki’s PK was saved by Malavan Keeper and that kept Malavan’s interest in the game. Malavan’s best chance of the last few minutes fell to Zare only a few feet away from Haghigi’s goal, but his shot was blocked by a defender.

Despite a not so appealing performance by the Reds, Perspolis managed to win the match with Kaabi’s only goal and stayed at the fourth spot with 47 points from 28 games.

On the same day Sepahan of Isfahan crushed title chasers Esteghlal Ahvaz 4-0, Foolad Khuzestan gained three crucial points in Shiraz by defeating Bargh 4-2, Abo Muslem scored twice against Saba to win 2-0 and, the already relegated to the playoffs RahAhan, lost another home game, this time against Zob Ahan 2-1.

Week 28 will resume on Tuesday with 3 title chasers in action as Esteghlal Tehran will face Paykan in Azadi; Saipa will host PAS at home, and Esteghlal Ahvaz will be facing Mes Kerman in Ahvaz, all games playing simultaneously.

Posted By: Armin A.