TEHRAN Esteqlal extended its leadership streak as it fought against archrival Pirouzi to a goalless draw in the 22nd week of Iran Pro League Thursday.

In front of an attendance of 90 thousand passionate fans in Azadi Stadium, the two popular teams did not find the net and shared the points.

In the first half, Pirouzi possessed the ball and field more than the blues and this was Esteqlal goalkeeper, Hadi Tabatabaei, who denied the reds.

Esteqlal striker Ahmad Mo'menzadeh headed a right winger Mohammad Navazi curling cross in the 64th minute that went out dangerously.

Behnam Abolqassempour of Pirouzi who missed scoring chances in the first and second half found himself unmarked in the six-yard area but unbelievably sent the ball out in a man-to-man challenge with b

Reza Jabbari fired a powerful left shot just one minute from the time, forcing Tabatabaei to send it above crossbar with a superb dive.

Alireza Nikbakht-Vahedi of Esteqlal received his marching orders from Portuguese referee for second bookable offense in the 89th minute.

The two teams also tied at number of yellow-carded players as Navazi and Faraz Fatemi of Esteqlal and Hamed Kavianpour and Pejman Jamshidi of Pirouzi were booked.

Table-topper Esteqlal has won 41 points and Pirouzi is at the second place with 39 points.