Returning to the final after a three-year absence, Tractor began in fine style, with Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh producing a sublime chip from just inside the penalty area to make it 1-0 in the 17th minute.

They doubled their advantage in the 35th minute, with captain Ashkan Dejagah sliding the ball home from six yards and putting himself within sight of his first club trophy since winning the German Bundesliga more than a decade prior.

Two became three when Akbar Imani prodded home from close range following a set-piece delivery six minutes later, giving Esteghlal a three-goal mountain to climb after half-time.

They made some headway when Mehdi Ghaedi pulled a goal back five minutes after the break, and they scored again through Amir Arsalan Motahari with 11 minutes remaining, setting the scene for a gripping final.

But Tractor managed to curtail Esteghlal’s momentum, holding to secure a famous victory, and close out a long and arduous campaign with a coveted piece of silverware.