Title: Persepolis Secures Dramatic Last-Minute Draw Against Tractor in Premier League Clash
A Test of Resilience in Tabriz
In a gripping encounter at Tabriz’s Bonab Diesel Stadium, Persepolis pulled off a stunning last-minute comeback to draw 1-1 with Tractor in the ninth week of the Iran Premier League. The match, a highly anticipated fixture, was ultimately decided by a moment of individual brilliance in the final seconds, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the competition.
A Cautious Start and a Game-Changing Red Card
With Head Coach Osmar Vieira absent and the team under the temporary guidance of Karim Bagheri, Persepolis adopted a cautious approach. Tractor, led by Dragan Skočić, started aggressively, seeking a third consecutive victory. The first half concluded without goals, as both teams cautiously probed for openings.
The dynamic of the match shifted dramatically in the 77th minute. Persepolis defender Morteza Pouraliganji received a straight red card following a VAR review for a foul on Mehdi Hashemzadeh, reducing his side to ten men and seemingly handing a decisive advantage to the home team.
Late Drama and a Stunning Equalizer
Capitalizing on their numerical superiority, Tractor broke the deadlock in the 89th minute. A defensive error by Milad Mohammadi allowed Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh to score, putting the hosts ahead and appearing to seal the victory for Tractor.
As the match entered deep into stoppage time, a final opportunity arose for the ten men of Persepolis. From a free-kick just outside the penalty area, Marco Bakic stepped up and delivered a spectacular, direct shot that soared over the defensive wall and into the net, leaving renowned goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand with no chance. The goal, scored in the 90+8th minute, sparked wild celebrations and secured a valuable point for the visiting team.
Implications and Looking Ahead
The dramatic draw, while rescuing Persepolis from defeat, highlighted the ongoing challenges the team faces in its composition and performance. All eyes are now on new head coach Osmar Vieira, with expectations high for the team’s rebuilding process starting next week. For Tractor and coach Dragan Skočić, the result represents a significant missed opportunity to secure a victory at home, continuing a pattern of challenging outcomes in matches against Karim Bagheri’s temporary management.