Barça’s tribute to Iniesta in Japan

At the beginning, he gave a candy to Kessié (0-1, m. 16); then he delivered another serving up a corner kick headed comfortably by Eric Garcia, who took advantage of Vissel’s defensive weakness (0-2, m. 18). At minute 80, Iniesta was substituted, he bowed Japanese-style and Xavi, who had risen from the bench, melted into an emotional hug with his friend, with the audience cheering the genius of Fuentealbilla.

“It has been a special day for me. I want to thank Barça for making the effort to come here to be alone for 24 hours. I am very happy because the fans have been able to enjoy this spectacle”, declared an emotional Iniesta as soon as he finished the match.

“I want to thank the love and respect that they have shown me and my family since we arrived here the first day. I feel Japan as my home and it will be part of my life forever”, added the former Barca player.

It was the second. And just like the first he was full of emotion. iniesta she had already shuddered as she hugged herself with Xavi in the changing room tunnel of the impressive Olympic Stadium in the Japanese capital. That hug contained tons of Barça history. It was also an inevitable trip to the nostalgia of the best time ever experienced by this club.

After the greetings of two old friends, the match that meant the epilogue of the Barça season began, the first complete one with Xavi on the bench that ended with the League and the Super Cup at the Museum. And from hug to hug with Iniesta

Later, surrounded by Valeria, Paolo Andrea, Romeo and Sienahis four children, was heading towards the center of the pitch carrying Olympia, the fifth, in his arms.

Iniesta was already experiencing the game with great emotion. And then, already on the wet grass from the rain that was falling on Tokyo, he felt happy, enjoying the ball, building the attacking game of Vissel, who went to half-time already losing (0-2).

More than 50,000 people attended the friendly with which Barça said goodbye to Iniesta and closed the season. A simple game for Xavi’s team, which embedded Frankie Young – wore the captain’s armband – as a center back forming a pair in the axis with Eric Garcia.

Araujo appears on the pitch

Julian Araujo, the Mexican defender who has participated in rúas, parties, farewells and tributes, finally made his debut in the Barça shirt. The young Mexican played on the right side and suffered with the eternal technique of Iniesta, who left a couple of actions that raised the enthusiasm of the fans.

Araujo could not find the formula to stop the Vissel captain, who enjoyed accelerating on the edge of the area in the first half. But the Japanese team ran into the success of Iñaki Peña, the goalkeeper who made three good saves just before reaching the break

Pau Prim, Dani Rodríguez, Héctor Fort, Marc Guiu and Unai Hernández debut

Xavi, for his part, opened the door to the first team for two youth players who dazzle at La Masia: Pau Prim, that creative middle center, and Daniel Rodriguez, a winger located on the right wing. Barca’s initial dominance, reflected in the two goals, faded as the minutes went by, resisting thanks to Iñaki Peña’s saves.

On the other hand, Iniesta, who felt happy leaning into the area with danger, acquired a greater role. He was either with ‘iniestanos’ passes, breaking the defense, or with a couple of disturbing shots.

In the second half, Xavi revolutionized the team introducing up to six changes, including the young Héctor Fort, who moved along the right flank of the defense, displacing the Mexican Araujo to the left, and Marc Guiu, while Iniesta followed suit, drawing dribbles and plays in the front of the Barca area, weaving an exquisite partnership with Sergi Samper, another ex-Barcelona.

Vissel kept trying the goal. A goal that did not arrive because the Japanese team failed in the definition, while Pablo Torre, before being replaced, He left another terrific corner for Marc Guiu, the young striker (17 years old), signed a great shot. Little by little, the rhythm of the match dropped while Xavi gave a lifetime memory to those youngsters who will never forget the night in Tokyo where they made their debut with the Barça first team.

Just when Iniesta prepares his bags to continue playing. The ‘eight’ was substituted in minute 80. Nothing was accidental in Tokyo. And at 39 years old, with no sign of fading that passion for soccer that hides his body, he is packing his bags in Japan. To go where? Still not known. But he wants to continue on the grass. He will take as a souvenir a shirt that Barça gave him, signed by all the Catalans. With the eight, of course.