Esteghlal defeats Persepolis 4-3 in veterans' derby in Kish

A veterans' derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis recently took place in Kish, resulting in a 4-3 victory for Esteghlal. Former Persepolis defender Mohsen Bangar noted that the match was played under difficult heat conditions and highlighted the persistent competitive tension between the two sides, even among former players.

Bangar addressed rumors regarding friction between players Mohsen Mosalman and Alireza Nikbakht Vahidi, stating that no specific incident occurred and that the players interacted in a friendly manner after the match. He also observed that Persepolis faces challenges due to a high number of new players, making upcoming matches a critical test for the squad's cohesion.

In discussions regarding the upcoming professional derby, former Persepolis player Mahmoud Khorakchi commented on the current standings of both clubs. He noted that while the relocation of the Tehran derby to Isfahan changes the atmosphere, both teams have shown tactical discipline under their respective managers. Khorakchi emphasized that past derby records do not dictate future outcomes and that motivation remains a key factor for success.