Lyon 0-0 FC Barcelona: 5 Talking Points

#1 Barca attack stifled, Suarez's shooting struggles continue

Suarez's shooting struggles continued, as Barca failed to score for the third time this season

Barcelona recorded an eyewatering 25 shots, but only registered five on target against Lyon on this occasion. That's both worrying and speaks volumes for the Spanish league leaders' attacking struggles, and placing the increasing workload on Lionel Messi's shoulders to carry them to victory.

Messi couldn't here, but that was not for want of trying: he created a game-high five key passes, completed five dribbles (joint-high with Ndombele) while showing a willingness to press from the front and be unselfish (two tackles, 91.4% pass accuracy) but it ultimately proved futile. Nine shots - most of them blocked - typified a forgettable creative display.

Dembele, who has often flattered to deceive and frustrates with his hesitant decision-making, again displayed flashes but were too infrequent.

Racing beyond fullback Leo Dubois as though he wasn't even there after just 30 seconds was a welcoming sight to see. Perhaps motivated among home comforts, back in France for the first time since leaving Stade Rennais three years ago, he often tried too much on the flanks and over-complicated attacks.

He saw one effort flash narrowly wide from just outside the box, while forcing Lopes into a close-range save after a left-footed strike at his near post. Regularly opting to dribble past too many players and relinquish possession or kill the momentum of attacks easily, it set the tone for Barca's attackers - they were all visibly frustrated and knew Lyon, despite their defensive solitude, were there for the taking.

Perhaps more worryingly though, was Luis Suarez's display. He has only scored two goals in his last ten matches and five in 2019. For a player of his world-class quality, considering all the chances Barca creates on a regular basis, that's just not good enough.

Again, this was an issue here. His passing was inaccurate (77.1%), sloppy in possession and he lacked the type of sharp decision-making you'd expect from someone of his ability.

Four shots, three key passes, 54 touches, two interceptions - you couldn't argue that he was isolated or not given adequate service. Instead, he misfired wildly from a great opportunity after Jordi Alba's cutback in the box while annoyed whenever Dembele opted to shoot or dribble, rather than pass to him!