Paykan secured a narrow but important 1-0 home win against Esteghlal Tehran in the Iran Pro League on February 1, 2026. In a match that kicked off at the later time of 21:30, Paykan scored a second-half goal to upset one of the league's traditional powerhouses. The game was a cagey affair for long periods, with both teams cautious in their approach. The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute when Paykan's midfielder unleashed a stunning strike from distance that flew into the top corner. Esteghlal Tehran pushed forward in search of an equalizer but found Paykan's defense in stubborn form, with the home goalkeeper making a crucial stop in added time. The victory was a massive three points for Paykan in their battle for position, while for Esteghlal Tehran it was a frustrating setback in their title chase. The Paykan manager hailed the result as a testament to his team's hard work and tactical discipline.