Spanish great Andres Iniesta scored a sublime first goal for Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Saturday, helping them to a 2-1 win over J-League rivals Jubilo Iwata.
The former Barcelona playmaker, who completed a surprise move to Japan over the summer after a glittering career with his boyhood club, produced a moment of outrageous skill to put Vissel in front after 15 minutes.
Former Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski provided the assist, feeding the ball into Iniesta, who swivelled and left a Jubilo defender on his backside before coolly finishing from a tight angle.
#iniesta's first goal in #Japan #JLeague
— Samurai Warrior (@SamuraiWarrio17) August 11, 2018
He started the play in midfield before receiving a perfect pass from #Podolski, rounding off both the opponent's defender and goalkeeper to score a wonderful goal! pic.twitter.com/ouu6NF6wgG
A further second-half goal from Kyogo Furuhashi secured Kobe’s home victory, lifting them to fourth in the J-League standings.
Iniesta’s former Spain team mate Fernando Torres was left frustrated again, however, as the one-time Liverpool and Chelsea forward failed again to open his J-League account.
His relegation-threatened side Sagan Tosu did at least manage to upset Urawa Reds 1-0 at home to give them some hope as they look to survive the drop.
