Barcelona fullback Jordi Alba insists they can compete for the title next season after victory over Real Betis.

Real Madrid were crowned champions last weekend despite a good second half of the season from Barça, who are now guaranteed to finish in the top four having sat ninth when Xavi took over.

"It's a shame we started to win late," Alba told Movistar. "We dropped a lot of points early in the season. We have improved, but too late to compete for this season. The objective after not winning the league was to qualify for the Champions League and now to finish second.

"As we're playing, we would compete with Madrid for the title. But over 38 games, the most consistent team wins. They're worthy champions. Next season we will compete for all our objectives and we can win LaLiga. We have the team and the staff to do it."

The headlines were reserved for Alba, who scored a stunning volley in stoppage time to seal the three points after Marc Bartra's equaliser for Betis.

"I saw the shot for goal clearly," Alba added. "Sometimes they go in, other times they fly over or you don't connect. Fortunately, it came off."