New Delhi: Andres Iniesta bid farewell to his playing career in spectacular fashion on Sunday, orchestrating a 2-1 triumph for Barca Legends over Real Madrid Legends at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo. A crowd of 45,725 witnessed the iconic midfielder deliver a match-winning moment in the final minute, forcing an own goal with a deft cross.
The match was a celebration of Iniesta’s illustrious 24-year career, bringing together former stars from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Iniesta shared the pitch with Blaugrana legends like Xavi Hernandez, Ludovic Giuly, and Rivaldo, while Real Madrid fielded names such as Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, and Fabio Cannavaro. The stage was set for an unforgettable farewell to one of football’s greats.
Ready for El Clásico in Tokyo ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/gvWEpvXPs5
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) December 14, 2024
Xavi’s creativity shone early, with a clever backheel in the 31st minute setting up Giuly, who assisted Javier Saviola for the opener. Real Madrid equalised late in the second half when Javier Balboa converted a penalty after Edwin Congo was fouled.
Just as penalties loomed, Iniesta delivered his magic. His precise cross from the left flank forced Fernando Sanz into an own goal, sealing a memorable win for the Blaugrana side.
After the match, Iniesta expressed gratitude to fans and teammates, saying, “I’m really happy to have come back to Japan, a special place where I spent many years. I’ll never forget this moment.”
Andres Iniesta’s contributions to El Clásico and Barcelona’s history are nothing short of legendary. He played pivotal roles in iconic moments, including Barcelona’s famous 6-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009, where his midfield dominance alongside Xavi Hernandez left Real Madrid chasing shadows. His ability to control the game’s tempo often made him a decisive factor in this fierce rivalry
His brilliance also extended to clutch moments beyond El Clasico, like his decisive Champions League performances. One standout memory was his stunning assist in the 2015 Champions League final, setting the tone for another treble-winning season. Moments like these etched his name among the greatest players in football history
Iniesta, who announced his retirement on October 8, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that includes four Champions League titles with Barcelona and a World Cup-winning goal for Spain in 2010.
A packed Ajinomoto Stadium saw Andres Iniesta’s brilliance shine one last time, securing a 2-1 triumph for Barca Legends. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
