Barcelona defender Jordi Alba came into the match late as a substitute and scored the lone goal, securing a 1-0 victory over Osasuna’s 10-man player at Camp Nou on Tuesday.
With the win, Barcelona has moved a step closer to clinching their 27th La Liga title, ascending to 82 points from 33 matches and extending their lead to 14 points over second-placedReal Madrid, who play at fourth-placeReal Sociedadlater on Tuesday.
With five games to go, Barcelona is four points away from winning the title with Real Madrid on 68 points and, in the best-case scenario, would only be able to reach 86 points.
If the tides continue in their favor, Barcelona could win the trophy in front on May 21, against Real Sociedad at Camp Nou.
Osasuna played well, given the 10-man player capacity they had. Their defense was good and Barca lost many chances to net in a goal.
However, in the 85th minute, Robert Lewandowski crossed to Frenkie de Jong, who nodded the ball to Alba for a left-footed strike into the net.
“It was an important step because we suffered too much [in trying] to break the deadlock,” coach Xavi Hernandez told DAZN. “We missed some very clear opportunities. And then came Jordi’s goal, which almost makes it better to win like that.
“We lacked effectiveness but it a summary of the season, struggling to score the many chances we create, but we played with hunger and I think we deserved to win.
“The league is almost over. That’s the sensation after winning the last two games. It was a giant step.”
Raphinha sent a free kick wide from the edge of the box and coach Xavi had to bring Ansu Fati into the match to replace an injuredGavi.
Araujo, De Jong, Ansu Fati and Lewandowski all missed clear goal opportunities, while the Poland striker also had a goal ruled out by VAR due to an offside in the build-up in the 78th minute.
With the game looking destined to end goalless, Alba ghosted behind the defense to score a clever shot between the goalkeeper and the right post to edge Barca closer to the title.
