On 4 February 1917, Barcelona hosted their first-ever testimonial match in honor of midfielder Ramón Torralba.Torralba, nicknamed "la Vella" (the Old One), joined the club in 1913 and became a regular starter by his second season. A holding midfielder, he was partnered with Agustín Sancho and Josep Samitier in what many consider to be Barça's best-ever midfield. Together, they the Copa del Rey five times (1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1928), with Torralba retiring after the last one.
Testimonial matches are ways for clubs to raise money to reward highly-regarded players. Torralba was still an active player for his 1917 testimonial match, played against fellow Barcelona side Terrassa. Barça won, 6-2.
Torralba received a second testimonial upon his retirement in 1928, having played 475 matches for the team.
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