# Esteghlal FC draws with Foolad after perfect start

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/esteghlal-preseason-202627-preparations
> Updated: 2026-08-28T02:45:27.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 5.

Esteghlal FC’s perfect start to the Persian Gulf Pro League was interrupted in the fourth week of the season, as they played to a 0-0 scoreless draw against Foolad Khuzestan at the Foolad Arena.

Following a streak of three consecutive victories—including a 2-0 win over Sepahan SC—Esteghlal was unable to overcome Foolad’s defense. Despite creating scoring opportunities in the first half, the team’s second-half performance was described as ‘mediocre’ by Ozjan Beyzati, who represented head coach Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh. Notable missed chances during the match included attempts by Amirmohammad Rezaghinia, Ismail Gholizadeh, and an early near-miss by Farshad Ahmadzadeh.

While the draw halts Esteghlal’s winning momentum, the club continues to navigate the season amidst ongoing administrative instability, characterized by the absence of a CEO and a transfer ban that restricts the registration of new players.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Foolad and Esteghlal play to a scoreless draw in Iranian Premier League

Foolad Khuzestan and Esteghlal played to a 0-0 draw in the fourth week of the Iranian Premier League at Foolad Arena.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esteghlal-and-foolad-khuzestan-draw-scoreless-in-premier-league

### 2026-08-22: Esteghlal FC defeats Sepahan SC 2-0 to lead Iranian Premier League

Esteghlal FC defeated Sepahan SC 2-0 in the Iranian Premier League, maintaining their lead at the top of the table with three consecutive wins.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esteghlal-fc-faces-sepahan-sc-amid-disciplinary-changes

### 2026-08-13: Esteghlal FC defeats Mes Shahr Babak 4-0 in league opener

Esteghlal FC defeated Mes Shahr Babak 4-0 in their Premier League opener, led by a brace from Saeed Saharkhizian, despite ongoing club issues including a transfer ban and leadership vacancies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esteghlal-fc-defeats-mes-shahr-babak-4-0-in-league-opener

### 2026-07-31: Foolad beats Esteghlal 1-0 in pre‑season friendly

Foolad beat Esteghlal 1‑0 in a pre‑season friendly, with Abolfazl Rezaghpour scoring early; the win precedes Foolad’s trip to Ahvaz for a league match.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/foolad-beats-esteghlal-1-0-in-preseason-friendly

### 2026-07-26: Esteghlal dominates Maham Novin Tehran 5-1 in pre‑season friendly

Esteghlal beat Maham Novin Tehran 5-1 in a closed‑door friendly, scoring five goals through Sarakhizan, Qoli‑zadeh, Islami, Ahmadi and Sarakhizan again.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esteghlal-dominates-maham-novin-tehran-5-1-in-preseason-friendly

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Cite as: Esteghlal FC draws with Foolad after perfect start. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/esteghlal-preseason-202627-preparations