Esteghlal needed at least one point to return to top of the IPL table but suffered a 4-2 defeat in its away game.

Siamak Kouroshi was on target just 10 minutes into the match. Esteghlal keeper Mehdi Rahmati failed to clear the ball and unmarked Kouroshi found the back of the net.

Four minutes later, Ahmad Ahai opened Esteghlal goal with a header. Shahin Saghebi extended Malavan’s lead in the 48th minute.

Esteghlal striker Mohammad Ghazi pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute with a powerful shot. Only one minute later Mehdi Daghagheleh made it 4-1.

Malavan could have won with more goals but Rahmati made a few saves.

Esteghlal defender Hanif Omranzadeh scored a consolation goal in the injury time.

With three weeks left, Foolad remains top of table one point clear of Esteghlal.

The Iran Pro League (IPL), also known as Persian Gulf Cup, is a professional football league competition for clubs located at the highest level of the Iranian football league system.