Torres and Iniesta stumble in the new chapter of their footballing career

XtraTime Web Desk: Spanish legends Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres had bitter tastes on their debuts in Japan’s J-League on Sunday, coming off the bench for the respective clubs but both suffering defeat.




Iniesta, who brought an end to his long association with Barcelona last season, made his debut for Vissel Kobe but could do nothing to impact the game as they went down 3-0 at home to Shonan Bellmare.

Keisuke Saka and Mitsuki Saito scored to give the visitors a 2-0 lead before Iniesta came on as a 59th-minute substitute. But Shunsuke Kikuchi added another in the 67th to put the result beyond doubt.

The 34-year-old had his first touch in the 62nd minute, as he received a pass inside his own area before dribbling to halfway and passing to Takuya Yasui on the wing.




Iniesta created a chance when he sent a through ball that found Wellington inside the box in the 89th minute but the Brazilian’s shot was deflected out for a corner.

Iniesta, who only trained with his team-mates for the first time Friday, is expected to make his first J-League start when Vissel play Kashiwa Reysol at home on Saturday.