Talking points: Olympiacos 0-0 Barcelona

Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by Olympiacos on Tuesday in a match few will remember fondly.

Here’s a few thoughts after the game in Greece.

Toothless Barcelona need Suarez to rediscover his bite

Another game and another horrible performance from Luis Suarez who is showing no signs of rediscovering his best form and this is a massive worry.

It wasn’t for want of trying either, the Uruguayan wasn’t afraid to have a go, but managed to hit an all-time low against Olympiacos, as shown by Opta.

Suarez has just three goals in 11 games, a poor return, and it’s difficult to see Barca managing to land any silverware this season, unless he can rediscover his goalscoring touch.

There is some hope, however, the 30-year-old has not been called up by Uruguay for November’s friendles - might the break do him some good?

Deulofeu disappoints again

It was something of a surprise to see Gerard Deulofeu only on the bench after he joined Ernesto Valverde for Barcelona’s pre-match press conference on Monday.

However, Sergi Roberto’s injury allowed him the chance to come on and attempt to stake a claim.

Unfortunately for Deulofeu, he was fairly anonymous and found it tough going against a resolute Olympiacos defence.

It’s still early, but so far Deulofeu has not been able to show he has a place in the first team at Barcelona. How long until Jose Arnaiz is handed another call-up?

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Roberto’s injury to give Semedo a chance?

Although we don’t know yet how long Roberto will be out for, and let’s hope the problem is not too bad, his injury is a blow as he has been one of Barca’s better performers.

His absence should, however, allow Nelson Semedo an extended run in the team.

Valverde’s use of his summer signing so far has been confusing and frustrating, but let’s hope he gets the chance to nail down the right-back spot.

Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Barca still in good shape

There seemed a lot of doom and gloom surrounding last night’s game but Barca are still in great shape in the group and need just a point to qualify.

Barca also picked up yet another clean sheet in the competition and, at the very least, Valverde has made this team very difficult to beat.

It’s also worth looking at some of the other results around Europe last night: Chelsea were easily beaten by Roma, Atletico held at home by 10-man Qarabag and Juventus only drew with Sporting.

It was not the performance we wanted, but qualification is within touching distance and Barca look favourites to go through as group winners.