The 68th derby – Red vs Blue

PFDC – TEHRAN, It is a day before the two Iranian giants, Persepolis and Esteghlal, will meet at this season’s second competitive derby.

Esteghlal Tehran had some issues with coach Samad Marfavi throughout the season, who will be having trouble if not leaving the pitch with a win.

Persepolis Tehran sacked coach Zlatko Krancjar after a series of no wins and Ali Daei was put in the coaching seat. However, Daei was not showing improved results when he started with a draw agaist Zob Ahan and a shocking humiliating 1-4 defeat at Shaheen Busher, before achieving two consecutive wins.

In the last derby, Hadi Norouzi went down in the box to earn the Reds a penalty kick, five minutes into second half, which could be saved by Vahid Talebloo, but the rebound was slotted home by Adel Kolahkaj.

The lead didn’t last long, as six minutes later Hossein Kazemi finished off a “header pass” to earn the Blues a 1-1 draw.

Tomorrow’s derby might determine who will make the race for the third Iranian AFC Champions League spot next year.