TEHRAN -- Persepolis moved to the top of Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League after a convincing 4-1 victory over Esteghlal Khuzestan on Wednesday, while Malavan secured its first win of the season and three other matches ended in draws as the second round of the league was completed.
Persepolis produced the standout performance of Wednesday’s five matches, overwhelming Esteghlal Khuzestan 4-1 to claim its second consecutive victory. The result gave the Tehran club six points from two matches and moved it to the top of the table on goal difference.
The victory also reinforced Persepolis’ strong start under head coach Mehdi Tartar. The team had opened its campaign with a 2-0 victory over Shams Azar and followed that result with a four-goal performance against Esteghlal Khuzestan. Tartar said afterward that the two victories showed his team was prepared to achieve bigger goals this season, although he also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of his forwards.
Persepolis’ second win was particularly significant because it put the club level on six points with defending champion Tractor and Esteghlal. The three sides have won both of their opening matches, creating an early three-way contest at the top of the standings. Persepolis leads on goal difference.
The result was also a setback for Esteghlal Khuzestan, which has now lost its first two matches. The club opened the season with a 2-0 defeat by Aluminium Arak and faces an early challenge to recover from its poor start. 
In Anzali, Malavan claimed its first three points of the season by beating Zob Ahan 2-1, with Mehdi Marzban scoring twice for the home side. The victory gave Malavan a valuable boost after it had drawn its opening match. Coach Maziar Zare praised his players afterward, saying they deserved the victory because of their intelligent play and effort until the final whistle.
Fajr Sepasi and Sanat Naft Abadan played out a 0-0 draw in Shiraz, leaving both teams still searching for their first victory. Fajr had chances, particularly after halftime, but could not break through a strong defensive display from goalkeeper Ahmad Gouhari. IRNA reported that Fajr coach Rasoul Khatibi acknowledged his team’s lack of full physical readiness and coordination, while also criticizing the finishing of his attackers.
The goalless draw was the second consecutive stalemate for Fajr, which had also shared the points in its opening match. Sanat Naft likewise earned another point, although its coach said the team needed more time and further strengthening after starting its preparations and transfer activity relatively late.
In Ahvaz, Foolad was held to a 1-1 draw by Shams Azar, giving the visitors their first point of the season. Foolad was unable to convert home advantage into a victory and remains without a win after two matches, while Shams Azar recovered from its opening defeat to get on the scoreboard.
The final Wednesday match saw Mes Shahr-e Babak and Kheybar Khorramabad draw 1-1 in a match that featured two red cards. Kheybar finished with nine players, but Mes Shahr-e Babak was unable to take advantage of its numerical superiority and had to settle for a point. IRNA described the result as a missed opportunity for Mes, while Kheybar earned a valuable point despite the dismissals.
The five Wednesday matches brought the second round to a close. Unlike the opening round, which featured only two draws, five matches in the second round ended without a winner, according to an Iranian roundup.
With two rounds completed, however, the early picture at the top is clear: Persepolis, Tractor and Esteghlal have each collected six points, setting up an early battle among three of Iran’s leading clubs. Persepolis currently holds first place on goal difference, with Tractor second and Esteghlal third.