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INIESTA AND TORRES GIVEN EMOTIONAL SEND OFFS

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ndres Iniesta of FC Barcelona is tossed into the air by his team mates at the end of the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou
ndres Iniesta of FC Barcelona is tossed into the air by his team mates at the end of the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou
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Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta lifted a ninth Liga title after his side beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on Sunday in an emotional final game for the midfielder at the Nou Camp while Fernando Torres scored twice in his final game for Atletico Madrid.

Philippe Coutinho rattled in the only goal in the champions' final game of the season in the 57th minute as they finished the campaign with 93 points, while Torres struck both of Atletico's goals in their 2-2 draw at home to Eibar.

Coutinho drifted inside from the left and held off two defenders outside the area before rattling the ball in off the far post with a venomous shot.

The league's top scorer Lionel Messi started the game on the bench but replaced Coutinho in the 67th minute. Iniesta was substituted in the 82nd, hugging most of his team mates as well as some Real Sociedad players and the referee as he left the Nou Camp pitch for the last time as a Barca player.

Barca's fans held up a mosaic before the game reading "Infinite Iniesta".

They later revealed a banner saying "Thanks for so much" in tribute to a player who came through their academy 22 years ago and spent 16 seasons pulling the strings in midfield, winning nine Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six domestic Cups.

They continued to sing Iniesta's name long after he had gone off the pitch. The captain returned with his team mates after the final whistle to lift the club's 25th Liga title and also show off the King's Cup trophy which they won in April, beating Sevilla 5-0 in the final.

"Today is a difficult day. I have spent 22 marvellous years here and I've been so proud to defend and represent this badge, which for me is the best in the world," Iniesta said, addressing Barca fans from the Nou Camp pitch.

"Thanks to all our fans, for the support you've shown and the respect you have given me. I came here as a boy and I leave aged 34 as a man. I'll always carry you in my heart."

Barca end the season on 93 points, 14 more than second-placed Atletico and 17 above last year's champions Real Madrid. Ernesto Valverde's side lost only one Liga match, last week's 5-4 defeat at Levante. -REUTERS


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