TEHRAN -- Esteqlal of Tehran gave a sigh of relief Friday as Paykan's Davoud Haqdoust failed to score the equalizer from the penalty spot.

Playing on the muddy pitch of Takhti Stadium, southern Tehran, the blues struck twice to beat Paykan 2-1.

Defender-cum-striker Mahdi Hashemi-Nassab headed home an Alireza Mansourian corner in the 8th minute to put Esteqlal ahead.

Amir-Houshang Sharifi secured the parity for Paykan in the 47th minute but Alireza Vahedi-Nikbakht made it 2-1, heading home a volley from fast-paced Alireza Akbarpour 16 minutes later.

Paykan missed a golden opportunity just one minute from the normal time.

The in-form Amir Mohtashami was tripped by Esteqlal keeper Hadi Tabatabaei in the box. Haqdoust sent the ball wide above the bar from the penalty spot.

Out of 8 matches, Paykan has 5 draws and three losses.

In other matches of Iran Pro League, San'at Naft defeated Zob Ahan 1-0 and Foulad of Khuzestan overcame Abu Moslem 2-1.