Barcelona’s march towards the La Liga title is all but sealed after they defeated 10-man Osasuna 1-0 at the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday.
Jordi Alba scored the winning goal in the 85th minute, ending Osasuna’s resistance and moving Barcelona 14 points clear of Real Madrid, with only five games to play. Despite playing for over an hour with one player down after Jorge Herrando’s red card, Osasuna managed to hold on, thanks in large part to goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez, who denied several shots from Barcelona, including from Pedri, Ansu Fati, Frenkie de Jong, and Robert Lewandowski.
Since their victory over Real Madrid just before the March international break, Barcelona has had a strange atmosphere, feeling as if they are trudging towards their first league title in four years. Dropping points in La Liga against Girona, Getafe, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as their Copa del Rey exit to Madrid in April, have contributed to this sense. However, following recent wins against Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, their finishing line is now in sight. Xavi Hernandez’s side could win the league when they next play at local rivals Espanyol on May 14, after Real Madrid lost to Real Sociedad later on Tuesday.
Barcelona, with an xG of 3.29, missed several good chances before Alba’s winning goal, including those from Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde. However, the team will still celebrate the goal like it clinched the title. It was a moment to remember for Alba, who has had a tough season after losing his place to Alejandro Balde, 19-year-old left-back. Alba has been praised by Xavi for his importance as one of the leaders in the dressing room and on Tuesday, got his reward for remaining professional and accepting his new role.
Despite Osasuna’s defeat, they put up a good fight, playing with a heavily rotated team, given Jagoba Arrasate’s need to contend with injuries and suspensions. Furthermore, Osasuna is preparing for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. On another day, they could have held on to a point or even won, but they are safe in La Liga and will now focus on winning their first major trophy ever for the club if they beat Madrid this weekend.
Aitor Fernandez of Osasuna, who kept a clean sheet, was the best player, thwarting several of Barcelona’s shots, while Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona’s midfielder, was also outstanding, despite missing a chance.
Barcelona’s Alba was the best defender for scoring the winning goal, while Jorge Herrando was the worst for his LaLiga debut to forget after being sent off in the 27th minute. Ansu Fati missed several decent chances and took the ball off Pedri when the midfielder was about to shoot. Aimar Oroz, Barcelona’s midfielder, also struggled to deal with Barcelona’s midfield four.
