Rewritten Title: Strategic Substitutions Propel Esteghlal FC to Victory in Domestic Cup
In a hard-fought match that extended into extra time, Esteghlal FC secured a 2-1 victory over Padideh Khalkhal in the Round of 16 of the Hazfi Cup. The win marks the first step for the team, under the guidance of Portuguese head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto, in their quest for the domestic cup title.
A Calculated Lineup Shift
Facing a congested schedule that coincides with the FIFA international window and the absence of several key national team players, Coach Sá Pinto made a strategic decision. To maintain focus and prime his core squad for an upcoming crucial AFC Champions League match against Al Wasl of the UAE, he opted to rotate his starting eleven against Padideh Khalkhal, utilizing players from the bench.
Half-Time Changes Prove Decisive
The initial lineup featured Mohammad Hossein Eslami and Abolfazl Jalali, who were regular starters last season and the beginning of the current campaign. However, the first-half performance of both players fell short of expectations. This prompted Sá Pinto to make a bold double substitution at halftime, bringing on Yasr Asani and Hossein Goodarzi.
This tactical move dramatically shifted the momentum of the game. Yasr Asani, in a standout performance, scored both of Esteghlal’s goals, directly securing the team’s passage to the next round.
Technical Team’s Assessment
According to technical staff evaluations, Coach Sá Pinto was not satisfied with the current form and performance levels of Eslami and Jalali. The report suggests that if their current trajectory continues, both players are likely to see their roles reduced, primarily serving as backup options for the remainder of the team’s competitive fixtures.