Esteghlal Khuzestan lost 0-2 to Aluminio Arak in the opening round of the Persian Gulf Pro League on Thursday evening. The visitors took all three points despite playing most of the match against a side that refused to surrender. By then it was clear this would not be a contest decided by possession alone.
B. Goudarzi opened the scoring in the eleventh minute, catching the home defence unawares. It was the kind of moment that shifts momentum, and Khuzestan never quite recovered. To be fair, the hosts had their chances but lacked the edge in the final third.
Aluminio Arak extended their advantage in stoppage time when A. Kahrizi struck twice in quick succession. The first came in the ninetieth minute, the second at 90+2, effectively ending any remaining hope for a comeback. And here's the thing — those late goals felt inevitable given how the match unfolded.
The visitors were disciplined throughout, picking up no yellow cards compared to their opponents' single booking. They pressed high up the pitch when needed and switched off at the back only briefly. The hosts, meanwhile, lost their man at crucial moments and paid the price.
Esteghlal Khuzestan remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just three points from six matches. They have not won since before the season began, and this result does nothing to change that narrative. Aluminio Arak sit fourth with twelve points, undefeated in six games.
The visitors' recent form suggests consistency — draws against Pajkan and Shams Azar Kazvin, a clean win over Zob Ahan. Khuzestan's record shows they need the points badly, but they found none to spare on this occasion. The gap between them in the standings now looks wider still.