Jordi Alba: An eight-match ban for Costa would be excessive FC Barcelona Also reflected on the win in Manchester

Jordi Alba hopes that Diego Costa receives a minimal suspension for his sending off against Barcelona last Saturday night.

Costa was dismissed for allegedly insulting the referee and it has been reported that he faces an eight-match ban.

Although the Barcelona left-back benefitted from the red card last weekend in his side's win, he doesn't want his international teammate to be suspended for the rest of the season.

"These are the situations a referee encounters in a game," Jordi Alba said of the Costa case after Barcelona's Champions League win over Manchester United.

"I hope for his sake that it's the fewest games possible.

"I think it would be excessive to punish him with eight games, but I can't do anything about it."

Looking at matters at Old Trafford, Jordi Alba was understandably pleased with the win despite the tie being very much all to play for.

"We played a serious game, but not with as many chances as usual," he said.

"We couldn't leave the back uncovered so our wingers and midfielders stayed in more.

"We had possession and we took our chance.

"The result is a very good one."

Barcelona have struggled in Europe in recent seasons, but they are focusing more on the competition than ever this term.

"We know that when we haven't progressed it's because the opposition deserved it," the player explained.

"I think this season we're more attentive than ever because of what happened last year.

"The result is good and we'll go into the return leg with confidence."