Jordi Alba struck a late winner for Barcelona in a 1-0 win over 10-man Osasuna on Tuesday to transfer the Catalans a step nearer to their first La Liga title since 2019.
Xavi Hernandez’s aspect climbed 14 factors away from second place Real Madrid, who misplaced 2-0 at Real Sociedad.
The guests had debutant Jorge Herrando despatched off in the primary half for knowledgeable foul on Pedri, as they sat deep and tried to frustrate hosts Barcelona.
Visiting goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez saved the leaders at bay in the second half however ultimately substitute Alba, who has had diminished minutes this season, sliced house a volley to snatch a late victory.
“We’re going to wait and see, nevertheless it’s an enormous step ahead,” said Xavi.
“We suffered too much. We missed some very clear chances, the kind where you can just push it in.
“And then came Jordi’s goal, which sometimes makes it better to win like that.”
Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate rotated closely to relaxation gamers forward of the Copa del Rey closing in opposition to Madrid on Saturday, whereas Barca began with the identical aspect which crushed Real Betis on the weekend.
The Catalans failed to carve out many clear alternatives in the primary half in opposition to their defensive opponents.
The greatest likelihood fell to Pedri after left-back Alejandro Balde discovered him a number of yards out from purpose however he didn’t join with the ball effectively, scuffing a shot large.
Osasuna have been diminished to 10 males earlier than the half hour mark when Herrando pulled down Pedri as he ran in on purpose.
Xavi introduced on Ansu Fati after 35 minutes for Gavi, who appeared to take a knock, and the ahead got here shut initially of the second half however Fernandez denied him.
String of saves
Frenkie de Jong ought to have despatched Barcelona forward however fired straight on the goalkeeper from six yards out when Pedri discovered him.
Barcelona’s frustration grew when Fernandez saved from Fati once more and substitute Ousmane Dembele despatched a shot large from shut vary.
La Liga’s high scorer Robert Lewandowski had one other quiet evening on the workplace. When the Polish ahead did discover the web it was dominated out for offside.
Eventually the breakthrough got here with 5 minutes to go, with substitute Alba volleying house his second purpose of the season after De Jong headed the ball into his path, sparking vigorous celebrations.
If Barcelona earn two extra factors from their final 5 video games, they are going to be champions.
Madrid crushed
Former Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea netted the targets for Real Sociedad in opposition to Los Blancos, tightening their grip on fourth spot and Champions League qualification.
Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was despatched off after an hour for a second yellow card to make issues worse for Los Blancos, who face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey closing on Saturday.
“It’s not one of the simplest ways to put together for video games,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“A defeat always hurts, it lowers your dynamic, the good feelings, so it’s not the best way to prepare for what’s to come.
“In the players’ heads obviously is more, the Copa final, the Champions League semi-finals, that has an effect.
“When you don’t have good concentration, you end up giving away gifts.”
The Italian performed a makeshift aspect due to accidents and suspensions, and he additionally left striker Karim Benzema behind in the Madrid capital forward of Saturday’s cup finale.
Kubo struck initially of the second half for the hosts after Eder Militao gave the ball away in a harmful space.
Carvajal was dismissed for a foul on Real Sociedad ahead Mikel Oyarzabal, giving Madrid an uphill battle.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did effectively to parry a deflected Barrenetxea strike, however he couldn’t hold out the ahead’s subsequent effort, shocking the Belgian at his close to publish.
If third place Atletico Madrid beat Cadiz on Wednesday, they will transfer second.
Real Sociedad are eight factors away from fifth-place Villarreal, who’ve performed one fewer recreation.
Bottom-of-the-table Elche have been relegated after a 2-1 defeat at Almeria.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
