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KABUL (SW): Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by Olympiakos as they failed to score in a Champions League group stage game for the first time in five years.
Luis Suarez hit the crossbar as Barcelona sought to secure the win that would qualify them for the knock-out stage with two games remaining. The striker then unselfishly tried to tee up Lionel Messi instead of going for goal himself after an hour.
Barcelona top the section with 10 points, having extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 matches with 13 wins and two draws, ahead of Juventus on seven points after their 1-1 draw at Sporting who have four.
Barca started at breakneck speed with right back Nelson Semedo racing clear and forcing a fine low save from Proto. Olympiakos, with midfielder Kostas Fortounis in a lone striking role, were pushed back in the early stages but the Greece international looked lively when he broke forward, reuters reported.
Messi’s first real run at the defence came in the 28th when the Argentine raced through a flurry of bodies into the box before his shot was saved by Proto’s outstretched left boot. Messi then had a shot blocked before seeing his curling free-kick, won by Suarez, beaten away by Proto.
Proto made two more stops to thwart Messi, one from a free-kick and another from a powerful low shot, to ensure Olympiakos secured a creditable draw against their illustrious opponents
ENDS
