(PFC) PGL week 33 saw one of the most exciting matches of the season when Persepolis clashed with Saba Battery in front of 100,000 spectators at Tehran’s Azadi stadium. A draw would put both sides out of league championship contention if Sepahan were to win their match against Sanat Naft which was played simultaneously in Esfahan.
Once again as in week 32 all eyes were on Persepolis and Sepahan matches with 2 points separating the sides at the top of the table. Persepolis taking on third place Saba Battery starting the match with one striker Khalili leaving Nikbakht Vahedi on the bench, this came as a surprise considering Persepolis needed a win to stay in touch with Sepahan.
The first half started with Persepolis the stronger side pushing Saba Battery back and testing Saba’s defence for weaknesses. Early Persepolis pressure paid off in 19th minute when Bagheri converted a cross after good work by Zare_ee on the right. A double-blow followed for Persepolis late in the half when Rezaei equalised for Saba Battery and in Esfahan Sepahan took the lead against Sanat Naft, first half score-line of Persepolis 1 – Saba 1, Sepahan 1 – Naft 0 put Sepahan 5 points clear of Persepolis with one game left, Persepolis had to score and win the match in the second half.
What followed was a thrilling second half with Persepolis going for the kill, the addition of Nikbakht Vahedi upfront proved an effective substitution as Persepolis piled on the pressure on Saba. Khalili scored twice in 6 minutes to give the reds a 3-1 lead and leave Saba devastated, Hussein Kaebi played a major role in one of Khalili’s goals with his good work and assist from right, once again Kaebi proved his worth on the right flank with his magnificent cross that created the scoring opportunity for Khalili, I hope Team Melli head coach Ali Daei will watch the recording of this match and take notes on Kaebi’s performance, Daei left Kaebi out of his Team Melli side against Kuwait in March, a decision that proved costly to Iran. Daei’s predecessor Amir Ghaleneoi also paid a heavy price for leaving Kaebi out of Team Melli in the year he was in charge.
There scoring wasn’t over and Nori added a fourth for the reds, despite their 4-1 lead Persepolis continued to attack until the last minute, the match ended Persepolis 4 – Saba Battery 1. There were no more goals in Esfahan but Sepahan will be happy with collecting all 3 points against Sanat Naft with their 1-0 win. The two results keeps Sepahan 2 points clear of Persepolis setting up a do-or-die match between the top PGL sides on Saturday May 17th at Azadi stadium in Tehran. 100,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium to watch the title decider between Persepolis and Sepahan in what will be one of the most memorable days in Iran football since the league turned professional 7 years ago.
PGL Week 33 results:Sepahan 1 - Sanat-Naft 0
Saipa 1 - Abumoslem 0
Malavan 2 - Fajr-Sepasi 1
Est-Ahvaz 2 - Pas-Hamedan 2
Shirin-Faraz 0 - Peykan 3
Mes 2 - Rah-Ahan 1
Bargh 1 - Pegah 0
Esteghlal 1 - Zob-Ahan 2
Saba 1 - Perspolis 4
PGL week 34 fixtures:All kick offs at 16:30
Naft - Esteghlal
Perspolis - Sepahan
Zobahan - Esteghlal Ahvaz
Pegah - Saba Battery
Pas - Malavan
Abumoslem - Bargh
Fajr Sepasi- Mes
Peykan - Saipa
Rahahan - Shirin Faraz
Afshin Dastafshan
adastafshan@persianmirror.com
