According to Cricket Exchange, Barcelona’s match against Mallorca marked not only the final game at Camp Nou before major renovations but also a poignant farewell for two of the club’s iconic veterans: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Life’s journey is long, and no one escapes a few wrong turns. Both players had previously announced their plans to leave the Blaugrana this summer, and with the league title already secured, their emotional send-off became the evening’s centerpiece. Fittingly, both started in their final match at the legendary stadium.

In Barça’s opening goal, Cricket Exchange noted that Busquets played a crucial role with a feint and pinpoint pass that set up Robert Lewandowski. Alba also delivered his trademark excellence from the left wing, repeatedly sending in accurate crosses. While neither Jules Koundé nor Lewandowski managed to convert them into goals, Alba’s presence was felt throughout. The most emotional moment came late in the match, when Marcos Alonso came on to replace Alba. As fans chanted his name, the legendary full-back couldn’t hold back tears—his heroic run had come full circle.

Shortly after, manager Xavi Hernández subbed off Busquets for Eric García. Amid thunderous applause and standing ovations, Busquets held his emotions in check, smiling and waving to the Camp Nou faithful one last time. After the final whistle, Barcelona held a special ceremony to honor the two legends. Busquets and Alba re-entered the pitch carrying the La Liga and Supercopa de España trophies, receiving a guard of honor from their teammates. Club president Joan Laporta presented each with a commemorative silver plate.

Busquets addressed the crowd, thanking the fans and his family. “I love you all deeply,” he said. “This has been my dream since childhood.” He spoke with pride about growing up watching Barcelona on TV and at the stadium, and how wearing the jersey of the world’s greatest club has always been his greatest honor. “No one can take this pride away from me,” he said. “Now I’m leaving, but I’ve fulfilled my dream.”

In just a year and a half, Barcelona will return to a fully modernized stadium—worthy of players like Busquets and Alba. The road to greatness, as they say, is always paved for those who believe. And while this was a goodbye, Cricket Exchange experts believe it felt more like a “see you later.”