ESFAHĀN, Iran (Feb. 23, 2026) (Interstat) — Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan Novin opened its Persian Gulf Pro League season with a 3-1 victory over Esteghlal Meli-Sanati Khuzestan FC on Monday at Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium. The home side’s attack outperformed statistical projections, which heavily favored Foolad but predicted a narrower 1-0 scoreline. Amir Hossein Jalalivand gave Esteghlal Khuzestan an early lead in the 11th minute. Foolad Sepahan responded before halftime, with Arash Rezavand equalizing in first-half stoppage time. Kaveh Rezaei secured the win for the hosts with a 70th-minute goal before Foolad added a late insurance score. The result gives Foolad Sepahan a winning start across all competitions, while Esteghlal Khuzestan begins its campaign with a loss.