The Iran Pro League took a one-week break for the 2024/25 Hazfi Cup’s Round of 16 with holders Sepahan, currently second in the league, beating Persepolis 3-2 to move into the quarter-finals.

Nassaji Mazandaran, who are second from the bottom in the league, beat Rafsanjan 1-0. Fourth-placed Foolad, meanwhile, lost 3-2 to League 1 team Paykan FC.

Other matches involving top-tier clubs saw Esteghlal FC beat Shams Azar 2-1 and Malavan defeat Zob Ahan 1-0. Gol Gahar saw off Kheybar Khorramabad 4-2 on penalties after their match ended in a goalless draw.

Jamie Maclaren continued his goal-scoring exploits for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League when he claimed a brace in their 3-0 win over Kerala Blasters.

The Australian international, who scored two in their previous win over Punjab FC, found the net in the 28th and 40th minutes before Alberto Rodriguez wrapped up in the 66th minute.

Mohun Bagan’s win, their ninth straight, gives them 49 points from 21 matches and maintained their 10-point lead over second-placed Goa, who have played one match less.

Goa defeated Mumbai City 3-1, with their Spanish midfielder Iker Guarrotxena scoring in the 24th and 41st minutes. His countryman Borja Herrera added the third in the 64th minute before Lallianzuala Chhangte pulled one back for the hosts.

Third-placed Jamshedpur fell to their second consecutive defeat when they lost 2-0 to NorthEast United, and with 34 points, are now five behind Goa.

The match also saw league top scorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie of NorthEast taking his tally to 20 goals in 20 matches when he scored twice.

Odisha played to a 1-1 draw with Punjab FC and then defeated Hyderabad 3-1 in their second match later in the week. 

Other matches saw Chennaiyin beat Punjab FC 2-1 and East Bengal overcome Mohammedan SC 3-1.