Record-setting Barcelona secure late victory against 10-man Osasuna

Barcelona continued their charge towards their first LaLiga title in three seasons with a victory over Osasuna. 

The hosts were handed an early advantage when Osasuna went a man down; however, Jacoba Arrasate's men held firm and threatened to sneak away with a point before a late Jordi Alba strike earned the Blaugrana maximum points. 

Xavi Hernandez's men looked to make it two wins in two against ten men at Camp Nou when debutant Jorge Herando was shown red in the 26th minute for a professional last-man foul on Pedri, who was through on goal. 

A groin strain for Gavi saw Xavi make an early change, bringing on Ansu Fati as Barcelona dominated possession and looked to penetrate a slam-shut Osasuna backline.  

It was an exhibition of profligacy for Barcelona, as they failed to convert chances and half chances as the game progressed into its advanced stages.  

The Spanish tactician dipped his hands into his bench, bringing on Ousmane Dembele and Eric Garcia, and further down the line, Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres.

The changes improved the quality of Barcelona's chances and eventually led to a goal when Jordi Alba hit a half-volley in the 85th minute to give Barcelona the lead.

The goal was enough to win the game, as they moved closer to the league title, while Osasuna will pick themselves up and prepare for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid in four days' time. 

Also, Barcelona take their clean sheet tally to 25 for the season, the most ever recorded in a single LaLiga campaign.