Once again, the stage was set for Andres Iniesta to dazzle in front of a gigantic crowd at Saitama Stadium.
But once again he was a no-show, disappointing large contingents of both traveling supporters and media who anticipated a chance to see the former Barcelona legend play in one of Japan's grandest stadiums.
Not that it mattered much for Urawa Reds fans, who watched their team grind out a 1-0 win over a Vissel Kobe rocked by internal struggles over the past week.