Rewritten Title: A Derby for the Ages: Goalkeeping Error Seals Historic Persepolis Victory in Tehran Showdown
Rewritten Article:
A Look Back at a Classic Tehran Derby
A pivotal match in Iran’s professional football league, the sixth edition, took place on November 3, 2006, culminating in a significant victory for the capital’s red-clad Persepolis team over their rivals, Esteghlal.
The highly anticipated clash saw Samad Marfavi at the helm of Esteghlal, while Mustafa Denizli, operating with full authority, occupied the managerial seat for Persepolis. The coaching situation for Esteghlal was a topic of considerable discussion at the time, as Amir Ghalenoei was simultaneously managing the Iranian national football team and serving as the head of Esteghlal’s football organization.
A Costly Mistake and a Lasting Legacy
The match’s momentum swung on a critical moment. Although Esteghlal initially took the lead with a goal from Amir Hossein Sadeghi, their advantage was short-lived. A handling error by Esteghlal’s goalkeeper, Mehdi Rahmati, gifted a prime opportunity to Persepolis’s Mehrzad Madanchi, who made no mistake in leveling the score before halftime.
The second half saw the decisive goal from Mehrad Ouladi, a forward who would later also play for Esteghlal. His successful strike secured the win for Persepolis, marking their first derby victory in over 27 months and cementing the match’s place in the annals of the teams’ storied rivalry.
A Unique Twist of Player Allegiances
Adding a unique and memorable layer to this historic encounter was the reversal of player loyalties that had been customary just months before. Fans witnessed Alireza Nikbakht-Vahedi, formerly a familiar face in Esteghlal blue, now wearing the red of Persepolis. Conversely, Ali Ansarian, long associated with Persepolis, had switched sides and took to the field for Esteghlal, highlighting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of football rivalries.