Andres Iniesta’s last Hurrah made memorable by Coutinho - FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Match Report

FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad – Laliga Match Report – May 20, 2018

Andres Iniesta’s last Hurrah made memorable by Coutinho

On May 20, 2018 captain Iniesta led out the FC Barcelona team into the Camp Nou against Real Sociedad for the last time. It was an emotional night for everyone – the players, staff and the supporters. The Camp Nou had one of their special mosaics in place with the wordings "Inifinit Iniesta". Similarly the Real Sociedad team where bidding goodbye to their club legend – Xabi Prieto. Ironically Both the legends started playing almost at the same time and were ending it together. Many former Barca playe6rs, including Xavi Hernandez, were present at the stadium to witness the farewell to the legend Andres Iniesta.

The match started without Messi and Umtiti. Yerry Mina started instead of Umtiti while Messi was on the bench. Iniesta put on a fantastic display showcasing what everyone would be missing the next season. He was combining well with Alba and Coutinho on the right, while Dembele and Semedo were also moving forward on the left. The only problem was that Luis Suarez was misfiring, unable to connect with a couple of fantastic crosses from Dembele. Pique was also at fault for not finishing off the balls that fell to him from set pieces. Dembele despite some brilliant moments, seem to be suffering from indecision when it came to the final ball.  

Despite possession of the ball for long periods of time, Barca rarely managed to test the Sociedad defense or goalkeeper. Finally the deadlock was broken by the resilient Coutinho whose wonderful, curling long ranger beat the goal keeper and gave Barca the much wanted lead. He had been brilliant and on fire since the last game showing more fighting spirit than ever. Sociedad attacked with more physicality which saw a number of Barca players being hacked down, mercilessly. The horrible challenge on Dembele by Navas was punished with just a yellow card. Dembele would definitely be suffering from the after effects of that nasty foul.

In the second half, Messi came in to a huge round of applause instead of Coutinho. For the last time, everyone was witnessing the magical duo of Leo and Andres together in a Barca Jersey at the Camp Nou. With Messi in, there was an immediate spark in the attacks of Barcelona as the goalkeeper was forced to make a couple of great saves. Another perfect pass by Messi to Denis Suarez, who came for the injured Dembele, was wasted by the youngster.

As Iniesta was substituted towards the end of the game by Alcacer, he handed over the Captain’s armband to Messi who gave his legendary teammate the warmest hug. Iniesta was hugged warmly by every team mate as he applauded and blew kisses to the adoring crowd singing his name.  It was very hard to watch Iniesta in the dugout, with tears flowing, as the finality of the situation sunk in.  The match ended with Barcelona winning it 1-0. It was a perfect parting gift for Iniesta.

There was a spectacular post match ceremony organized at the Camp Nou. The Camp Nou was lit up by the audience. All the Barca players came out wearing the No. 8 Jersey with Iniesta’s name on it, as a tribute to their Captain. The La Liga trophy was presented to the winning captain and team. For the last time Iniesta held up the well-deserved trophy and celebrated with his teammates.

 “It is a difficult day,” Iniesta said in a tear-filled, emotional speech “But it has been a wonderful 22 years. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to defend and represent this club, for me the best in the world. I will keep you in my heart forever. I thank you for all the love and respect that you've given me since I arrived as a child, I now leave as a man.”

While many like Busquets, Luis Suarez, Alba were reduced to tears, the rest like Messi and Pique smiled and blinked back tears. The adoring Barcelona team then huddled around and tossed Iniesta into the air a few times. It was wonderful to see a bunch of Iniestas holding up their Don lovingly. 

All the Barca players, most with their kids sat back and enjoyed their moment with the trophies. The Camp Nou was echoing with the name of their beloved Captain as the emotional fans bid one of their favourite sons, goodbye forever.

Later when all the fanfare had died down and when everyone had left, Iniesta sat alone, bare foot, on the green grass of the empty Camp Nou, quietly meditating. It was as if he was coming to terms with the enormity of his decision and bidding a personal goodbye to the place which had been his home since he was a little boy.

  

I am sure a number of fans like me would have stood up in our living rooms with respect and love as Iniesta walked off for the final time.  Though I never understood a word of what he said during his farewell at Camp Nou, the tears kept flowing as it was not difficult to comprehend what he meant.

Everyone one of the Barca fans would be missing Iniesta immensely and Iniesta would be equally missing his only club and home. But somethings are infinite and Iniesta is one of them.

Goodbye dear Iniesta. Thank you for all the joy. Good luck!

Adiós querido Andrés Iniesta - la Gloriosa Luna de FC Barcelona.

Muchas gracias por toda la alegría!

Image Credits - Google Images and FC Barcelona