Five things we learned from May’s El Clásico fixture

Iniesta will forever be a key figure in this fixture

Sunday’s El Clásico match-up was special for another reason, specifically for Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta. The Spanish legend was playing in his final fixture against Real Madrid, after many glorious seasons at the Camp Nou.

The 33-year-old will be leaving the club after the current term, and it was emotional for fans to bid farewell to an icon of the game. Iniesta helped to lead the Blaugrana to unprecedented heights, and concludes his run with a La Liga and Copa del Rey double in 2017-18.

After a solid performance against Real on Sunday, Iniesta was subbed off for Paulinho in the 58th minute, as the home crowd offered a massive ovation for an unforgettable talent. Evidenced in the Copa del Rey final where Sevilla fans applauded him off the pitch, the midfielder was an important part of the Spanish national team’s dominance at the beginning of this decade.

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As was the case when Xavi walked away in 2015, Barcelona will move on and boast multiple talented players in the middle of their line-up (for example Ivan Rakitic was outstanding in this match). But none will have the worldwide impact of “Don Andrés”.

While the Blaugrana did not secure a victory, Sunday’s wonderful tributes to Andrés Iniesta were fitting for a remarkable individual adored throughout the sport.