Rewritten Title: Strategic Shifts and Historic Rivalry: Tehran’s Football Derby Set for Arak
Article:
A Capital Derby Relocated
The schedule for the most anticipated match of the first half of Iran’s football season has been officially confirmed. The iconic Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis, a fixture that captivates the nation, will be held in the twelfth week of the Premier League on Friday, December 5th. In a notable shift from tradition, the match will not take place in Tehran but will be hosted in the city of Arak.
The Persepolis club formally proposed the Imam Khomeini Stadium in Arak as the venue, a proposal which has been accepted by the Iranian Football League Organization. This marks the fourth time the historic rivals will face off outside the capital.
Logistical Adjustments for a Marquee Event
A key operational detail for this high-stakes match is a change in the kick-off time. The League Organization decided to move the start time to 3:00 PM local time to avoid a scheduling conflict with the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring fans can focus entirely on the domestic clash.
A Look Back at Out-of-Town Encounters
The history of this derby being played outside Tehran provides a unique backdrop to the upcoming fixture.
- 1995: A Goalless Security Affair – The first such encounter in Bandar Abbas ended in a 0-0 draw, a match held under tight security with limited attendance.
- 2003: A Tie in Tabriz – Due to the unavailability of Tehran’s main stadium, the teams met in Tabriz’s Yadegar-e-Emam Stadium. The match concluded 1-1, with Esteghlal scoring early and Persepolis equalizing later.
- 2024: A Victory in Arak – The most recent precedent, also held in Arak, ended with a 1-0 victory for Persepolis, secured by a late penalty. This was the first time in these out-of-town matches that one team emerged as the clear winner.
The Stakes for the 106th Edition
As the teams prepare for this 106th derby, the historical trends add an intriguing layer. In the three previous matches held outside Tehran, Esteghlal has never secured a victory, with the only open-play goal scored by one of their players over two decades ago. Persepolis, now in the nominal home-team role for this Arak encounter, will be looking to replicate their previous success in the same city. With both teams currently led by foreign coaches, this match is set to be another strategic and fiercely contested chapter in Iran’s premier football rivalry.