Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has played down the significance of his winning goal against Almeria, insisting he was only doing his bit for the team.
The Spain international emerged as a match-winner during the 82nd minute of the Catalan giants’ 2-1 victory in Andalusia, but he refused to nominate himself as his side’s hero, instead choosing to highlight the collective nature of their win.
“No [I’m not a hero], I was working for the team. [Almeria] were better in the first half. In the second we went for it, we created chances and got the result. I was just trying to have a good game,” Alba told reporters after the match.
“The game unfolded like [it did] against Celta. There was more of the same, lots of one-twos and shots at goal, but we improved defensively, and offensively we created many chances.
“In the first half, they were superior and we didn’t move the ball well enough. We were caught out [for Almeria’s goal] and put in difficulty, so I think the win is important.”
Alba then reserved praise for Luis Suarez, who assisted both of Barca’s goals against Almeria, including the elusive cross which found the left-back.
“[Suarez] gave a very good assist to Neymar for the first goal, while for second, he found me alone with [just] the keeper [to beat],” he added.
“He has adapted to the team very well.”
