Tehran Derby

Friendly Matches: Esteghlal (3) The Tehran derby (Persian: شهرآورد تهران (Shahrāvard-e Tehrān), also known as Blue-Red derby (Persian: شهرآورد سرخابی Shahrāvard-e Sorkhābi) is a football match between the two prominent Tehran clubs Esteghlal and Persepolis.

It is widely considered the major crosstown derby in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

Taking place at least twice during the year via the league fixtures, this cross-town rivalry has extended to the Hazfi Cup, as well as in minor tournaments and friendliesThe best result in friendly games was 8-0 for Taj in 1347 The first derby match between the teams took place on April 5, 1968, at Amjadieh Stadium, where the game finished as a scoreless draw.

Over time, the rivalry became more heated and club fans began attaining collective identities.

Hassan Rowshan from Esteghlal F.C., at the age of 18 years and 357 days is yet the youngest player ever who has scored a goal in the Tehran derby.

When Mehdi Hasheminasab joined Esteghlal, Persepolis fans booed and swore at him so loudly that he covered his face with his hands to hide his tears.

TAJ defender Saeed Baghvardani comes to the rescue of goalkeeper Nasser Hejazi when he heads out a humdinger by Persepolis striker Safar Iranpak (fourth left). Aryamehr [Azadi] Stadium, Tehran, May 1975.
Safar Iranpak (left), Hossein Kalani (right) and Homayoun Behzadi (sitted) three players who are Persepolis's highest scorers in derbies.
Homayoun Behzadi had the first ever hat-tricks of Tehran derby
Éamon Zayed , last hat-tricker of rivalry