Alba pulls Barca closer to title with late Osasuna strike

Osasuna’s Spanish goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez (BOTTOM) saves the ball as Barcelona’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (L) and Osasuna’s Spanish defender Unai Garcia jump over him during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 2, 2023. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Jordi Alba struck a late winner for Barcelona in a 1-0 win over 10-man Osasuna on Tuesday to move the Catalans a step closer to their first La Liga title since 2019.

Xavi Hernandez’s side climbed 14 points clear of second place Real Madrid, who visit Real Sociedad later on.

The visitors had debutant Jorge Herrando sent off in the first half for a professional foul on Pedri, as they sat deep and tried to frustrate hosts Barcelona.

Visiting goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez kept the leaders at bay in the second half but eventually substitute Alba, who has had reduced minutes this season, sliced home a volley to snatch a late victory.

“For a full-back I’ve had the luck of scoring many goals,” Alba told DAZN.

“It was important to win, it was a hard game against a side having a good season.

“We haven’t won La Liga for a while and for someone from here, it feels very good.”

Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate rotated heavily to rest players ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Madrid on Saturday, while Barca started with the same side which crushed Real Betis at the weekend.

The Catalans failed to carve out many clear opportunities in the first half against their defensive opponents.

The best chance fell to Pedri after left-back Alejandro Balde found him a few yards out from goal but he did not connect with the ball well, scuffing a shot wide.

Osasuna were reduced to 10 men before the half hour mark when Herrando