Twenty Years Later: Andres Iniesta’s Greatest Moments At Barcelona

Twenty years ago, a young Spanish midfielder by the name of Andrés Iniesta played for La Masia for the first time. Today, Iniesta is widely considered one of the greats of the generation. He is a pioneer behind the wild success of both FC Barcelona and the Spanish National Team.

Throughout the two decades service to the club, Iniesta has had several great moments, and is still creating more at the wise age of 32. He has scored some vital goals in his day (see the 2010 World Cup Final if you don’t believe it), and is perhaps only behind Lionel Messi as Barcelona’s most influential player in the past decade.

Here are Iniesta’s three best moments while wearing the Barcelona shirt:

3. Bossing the Bernabéu

Just last year, Iniesta joined a select group of Barcelona legends after playing in El Clásico in November. Working his usual midfield magic, the Spaniard managed a goal and assist in a dominant display that saw Barça earn a commanding 4-0 victory.

However, it was not his play that made this such a special game, but rather the reaction to it. The fans at the Bernabeu, not usually receptive to Barcelona players, applauded Iniesta for his man-of-the-match showing. Truly recognizing the greatness of the playmaker, the Real Madrid fans made Iniesta just the third Barça player to receive applause from the away crowd. Iniesta now joins Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho in that exclusive class.

Though it was not a cup final or a game with something on the line (although El Clásico always feels as if it does), it showed just how important Iniesta has been to the sport and to Spain. The applause was just affirmation of his incredible career.

2. Manchester United Domination

In the 2009 Champions League Final, Iniesta again asserted his dominance in the midfield as Barcelona disposed of Manchester United. Iniesta, playing with a thigh injury, still provided overpowering influence, which included assisting Samuel Eto’o’s goal in the 2-0 victory.

The performance earned Iniesta the second of four Champions League trophies he has won with Barcelona, helping to cement his legacy as one of the most decorated players to ever suit up for the Blaugrana. Barcelona used Iniesta as a second-half substitute when they beat Arsenal in 2006 for his first Champions League title, so, other than his exertions in Euro 2008 the previous summer, the 2009 final marked the first time Iniesta bossed a match for 90-plus minutes on one of the biggest stages (and it wouldn’t be the last).

Iniesta’s dominance against United led to Wayne Rooney dubbing him the best player in the world. It’s high praise for a creative midfielder, not a forward often in the goals, to earn plaudits like that, but such is the brilliance of Iniesta.

1. Breaking Chelsea Hearts

Though it led Barcelona to that 2009 Champions League Final, this moment is far and away Iniesta’s greatest as a Barcelona player, and perhaps is only bettered by his World Cup Final goal.

With Chelsea up 1-0 in the second leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge, Barcelona seemed destined to crash out of the Champions League. That is, until Iniesta stepped up to fire an incredible screamer past Petr Cech, giving Barcelona the aggregate lead on away goals–and propelling them to the final they would go on to win.

The goal itself is marvelous. Twenty yards out, connecting with it sweetly using the outside of his foot. Iniesta was able to beat one of the world’s best keepers in Cech on this goal. But what makes it his greatest moment was the timing (something Iniesta is very good with). Late in the match, away from home, in the final moments of despair, Iniesta stepped up and delivered. That’s what makes him a Barcelona legend, and that’s what makes these past 20 years so special.

We look forward to the future, Andrés.