The Persian Gulf Pro League Iranian football giants Esteghlal and Persepolis have played out a blank draw at an empty Azadi stadium.

After an uneventful first half it was Persepolis who came out a bit livelier in the second, introducing a couple of threats through Vahid Amiri, yet he failed to convert.

Esteghlal then came close to open the deadlock on a corner kick, but a double save by Hamed Lak held them off. Shortly after, Hossein Hosseini parried a low cross away to keep Esteghlal out of harm’s way.

The Blues could’ve caused an upset late in the game, however, their target-man Rudy Gestede fell short of applying the final touch as the bitter rivals settled for the draw. After 8 rounds, Persepolis are 3rd in the table, only a point and a place above Esteghlal.