David Villa and Andres Iniesta beat Fernando Torres as Spain legends face off in Japanese clash

DAVID VILLA scored his first goal in Japan on Saturday as he reunited with former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta to defeat Fernando Torres' Sagan Tosu.

The 37-year-old was making only his second appearance in the J1 League since swapping New York for Vissel Kobe when he swept home the only goal of the game.

Villa scored 33 goals in 77 appearances during his three-year spell in Barcelona and he rejoined his former Spanish teammate Iniesta in Japan's top-flight.

The duo was part of Pep Guardiola's treble-winning Catalan side in 2011 and they both featured for Spain's two European Championship and maiden World Cup wins.

Kobe, who also boast former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski in the side, move up to ninth in the league while condemning Torres' Sagan Tosu to back-to-back defeats.

Iniesta, who left Barcelona for Japan after 16 seasons at his boyhood club last year, hopes Villa's goal will be the first of many for Spain's all-time leading scorer.

Speaking after the match, the 34-year-old said: "It was a really wonderful atmosphere - I really want to thank all the supporters.

"It was good that Villa scored in this game. Villa will continue to bring goals to this team."

Torres, 34, also left his boyhood club for Japan after finishing his second stint at Athletico Madrid last year.

The former Liverpool star enjoyed the same success as his former Spanish teammates internationally but has struggled in Asia, netting only three goals in 17 appearances.