Barcelona win on Andres Iniesta farewell

Andres Iniesta was given a momentous farewell as Barcelona sent him off on the next chapter of his career with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad.

The Spaniard, making his 674th and final appearance for the Liga champions, had tears in his eyes as he was substituted in the 81st minute, with the Camp Nou crowd serenading the great playmaker with prolonged chants of his name.

Philippe Coutinho’s glorious effort settled the match, which also saw Sociedad legend Xavi Prieto come off the bench to make his final appearance for the club. Lionel Messi started on the bench, but was brought on with 30 minutes left to play, offering one last sight of the Argentine and Iniesta on the same pitch together.

Barcelona will reflect on a double-winning season, finishing the campaign with the Liga and Copa del Rey titles, but this success has been tinged with regret. This season could have brought much more for the Catalans.

How badly will Barcelona miss Andres Iniesta? For many, he is the defining figure of Barcelona’s era of unparalleled success, even more so than Lionel Messi. Iniesta is a true legend at Camp Nou, and in Spanish football in general. Any team would be worse off without him, but how badly will Barca miss him? Is Coutinho ready to step up and fill the void left by Iniesta? Will the Catalans have to dip into the transfer market to compensate for his absence?

Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona): The Brazilian endured a staggered start to life at Barcelona, struggling with injuries, but Coutinho has really found his feet for his new club in recent weeks, following up his hat-trick against Levante last week with a stunning goal against Real Sociedad. It was trademark Coutinho, as he whipped a right-footed finish into the back of the net off the inside of the far post. Next season could be when he we see the best of Coutinho as a Barcelona player.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 5, Semedo 6, Pique 6, Mina 5, Alba 5, Rakitic 7, Busquets 6, Iniesta 8, Dembele 7, Coutinho 8, Suarez 7. Subs: Messi 7, Alcacer 5, Denis 6.

Real Sociedad: Moya 6, Elustondo 6, Navas 4, Llorente 5, De la Bella 5, Illarramendi 5, Zurutuza 6, Januzaj 7, Juanmi 5, Oyarzabal 5, Jose 5. Subs: Canales 5, Prieto 3, Odriozola 5.

20’ - BIG PIQUE CHANCE! The Barcelona centre back probably should have found the back of the net. He was free from a corner kick 10 yards out, but he completely scuffed his shot.

35’ - PENALTY CLAIM! Semedo believes that he should have been awarded a spot kick for a challenge in the box. On first view, it looked like the full back may well have had a case.

57’ - GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Real Sociedad. What a sensational goal from Coutinho! That was a trademark strike from the Brazilian playmaker! From about 22 yards out, he whipped a right-footed strike in off the inside of the far post. Moya had no chance of stopping that!

81 - FAREWELL. Iniesta is coming off and he gets a standing ovation from everyone inside the Camp Nou. Farewell to a Barcelona legend.