Jordi Alba on La Real, winning La Liga & Coutinho jeers
"It seems easy now because we have a big advantage, but we have to give credit to the hard work"
Match winner Jordi Alba admitted Barcelona struggled at times as they beat Real Sociedad 2-1 at Camp Nou on Saturday.
Alba scored the winning goal after Juanmi had cancelled out Clement Lenglet's opener to move Barça within two wins of the title.
But they weren't always at their best against La Real following their efforts against Manchester United in the Champions League in midweek.
"Today was a bit of struggle because we were coming into the game on the back of a huge effort (against United) but we continued on the same path," he told Movistar.
"We were better in the second half. I'm happy with how the season's going and with my goal."
Alba says Barça now want to get the league wrapped up as they target an historic third treble in the last decade.
He added: "The team's responding well to the challenges. We're giving 100 percent because we want to be win the league.
"It seems easy now because we have a big advantage, but we have to give credit to the hard work that's gone in throughout the season."
On the whistles aimed at Philippe Coutinho, Alba tried to play down the ill feeling between the Brazilian and Barça's fans following his celebration against United.
"I heard applause," the defender said. "He's an important player and that's what we have to remember."
