Legendary! That's the appropriate headline to describe the performance of Jordi Alba in the most recent Inter Miami match, corresponding to the round of 16 of the Leagues Cup, where 'Las Garzas' defeated Toronto FC 4-3, featuring Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi, and company. In this match, the former FC Barcelona player excelled by assisting in all four goals of the pink-clad team, setting a record in the competition.
The first 'stroke' from the left-back came just two minutes after the start of the game. On this occasion, the player from Hospitalet de Llobregat sent a precise cross from the left side that, after not being initially connected by Federico Redondo, ended up at the feet of Matías Rojas. With remarkable freedom, the Paraguayan shot with his left foot, beating the resistance of goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
We didn't have to wait long for the second assist from Alba in the match, as at the ten-minute mark, once again on the left side and almost as a winger, the Barcelona full-back demonstrated his excellent vision by setting up Paraguayan Diego Gómez with a precise touch in the penalty area. The midfielder found himself completely unmarked and didn't hesitate to unleash a 'whip' with his right foot, putting the score at 2-0 and anticipating a possible celebration for 'Las Garzas'.
Alba-Suárez, a 'made in Barcelona' connection
And yes, in the first half, despite conceding a goal that reduced the lead to 1-2, Inter Miami continued to dominate. This time, the one in charge of increasing the lead on the scoreboard was 'The Gunslinger' Luis Suárez, assisted by who else but Jordi Alba. The '18' completed his own 'hat-trick' of assists with a precise lobbed pass into the area that beat the Toronto FC defensive line. 'Lucho', with too much 'cunning', took possession of the ball and sent it into the back of the net with a skillful chip with his right foot, thus setting the score at 3-1.
To close, Alba's last contribution came in the 58th minute, possibly the most discreet of all, but it proved crucial to extend the lead in a match that, at that moment, stood at a tight 3-2. This time, the full-back moved more centrally, almost as a forward, and simply delivered a precise pass to Rojas' feet. Without hesitation, the Paraguayan unleashed a left-footed 'rocket' from outside the box that rendered Johnson's dive futile.