Jordi Alba took the Catalans closer to their first La Liga title since 2019 by scoring a late winner for Barcelona in a 1-0 win over 10-man Osasuna on Tuesday.
Xavi Hernández’s team climbed 14 points above second-place Real Madrid, who lost 2–0 at Real Sociedad.
The visitors had Jorge Herrando sent off for a professional foul on Pedri in the first half as they sat deep and looked to frustrate hosts Barcelona.
Visiting goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez kept the leaders at bay in the second half but substitute Alba, who had reduced minutes this season, cut in a volley late on to snatch the win.
“We’re going to wait and see, but it’s a big step,” Xavi said.
“We suffered too much. We missed some very clear chances, that’s the way you can push it in.
“And then came Jordi’s goal, which sometimes makes winning like this even better.”
Osasuna coach Jagoba Araset rotated players heavily to rest ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Madrid, while Barcelona started with the same side that crushed Real Betis at the weekend.
The Catalans failed to create many clear chances in the first half against their defensive opponents.
Padre’s best chance fell after left-back Alejandro Balde found him a few yards from goal, but he did not connect well with the ball, sending a shot wide.
Osasuna were reduced to 10 men just before the half-hour mark when Pedri was pulled down by Herando as he was running at goal.
Xavi brought on Ansu Fati after 35 minutes for Gavi, who appeared to take a knock, and at the start of the second half the forward came close but was denied by Fernandez.
saves
Frankie de Jong should have sent Barcelona ahead but shot straight at the goalkeeper from six yards when Pedri found him.
Barcelona’s frustration mounted when Fernandez again saved from Fati and substitute Ousmane Dembele sent a shot wide from close range.
It was another quiet night in the office of La Liga’s top scorer Robert Lewandowski. When the Polish forward found the net it was ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough finally came five minutes in, with substitute Alba scoring his second goal of the season after De Jong headed the ball into his path, prompting wild celebrations.
If Barcelona earns two more points from its last five matches, it will become the champion.
beat madrid
Former Madrid wingers Takefusa Kubo and Ander Baranetexia scored for Real Sociedad against Los Blancos, tightening their grip on fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was sent off after an hour for a second yellow card, which will make matters worse for Los Blancos, who face Osasuna in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final.
“It’s not the best way to prepare for games,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“A defeat always hurts, it lowers your mobility, good feelings, so it’s not the best way to prepare for what’s to come.
“There is clearly more in the players’ heads, Copa finals, Champions League semi-finals, that has an impact.
“When you don’t have good concentration, you stop giving gifts.”
The Italian played a makeshift side due to injuries and suspensions and ahead of Saturday’s cup final he replaced striker Karim Benzema in the Madrid capital.
Kubo scored for the hosts at the start of the second half after Eder Militão had fumbled the ball into a dangerous area.
Carvajal was dismissed for a foul on Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal, giving Madrid an uphill battle.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did well to deflect Barentexia’s strike, but he could not keep out the forward’s next effort, surprising the Belgian at his near post.
Third-placed Atletico Madrid can move into second place if they beat Cadiz on Wednesday.
Real Sociedad are eight points clear of fifth-place Villarreal, who have played one less game.
Elche were relegated to the bottom of the table after a 2–1 defeat at Almeria.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)