The Blues moved back top of the IPL table with 29 points while they have played one more match. Italian coach Andrea Stramaccioni has not returned to Iran due to the financial problem.
Arash Rezavand was on target for Esteghlal in the 29th minute and Mehdi Ghaedi scored his eighth goal in the season in the 52nd minute. Mohammad Daneshgar opened the visiting team’s goal with a long-range shot in 58th minute and Cheick Diabate found the back of the net in the 69th minute.
Hossein Maleki pulled a goal back in the 87th minu8te.
Earlier on the day, Persepolis defeated Saipa 2-0, thanks to goals from Vahid Amiri and Ahmad Noorollahi.
In Abadan, Sanat Naft earned a late 1-0 win over Machine Sazi, Pars Jonoubi was held to a 1-1 draw by Naft Masjed Soleyman and Gol Gohar drew 0-0 with Zob Ahan in Sirjan.
Sepahan and Persepolis are second and third respectively with 28 points.