Champions League

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Attendance: 31,600

Champions League | Group Stage

Oct 31, 2017 at 7.45pm UK

Olympiacos Olympiacos
0-0
Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde: 'Olympiacos draw a step forward for Barcelona'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter | 01 November 2017

Barcelona manager Esterno Valverde insists that his side's 0-0 draw with Olympiacos on Tuesday night was a step forward for his team.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has insisted that his side's 0-0 draw with Olympiacos on Tuesday night was a step forward for his team.

The Spanish giants failed to score in a Champions League game for the first time in five years as Luis Suarez's shot which hit the bar was as close as the Catalan side came.

Victory would have ensured Barcelona's advancement into the knockout stages, and Valverde admitted that it was not the progress he wanted to see in his side.

"We have taken a step forward, although not the one we wanted," Valverde told reporters. "We have tried to get to the opposition goal through possession on many occasions.

"They have done a great defensive job, we wanted our qualification, but it wasn't to be.

"The problem of the opponent dropping so far back is that you begin to push. The intensity of this game then leads to tiredness in your players."

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto suffered a hamstring tear during the 0-0 stalemate and will undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury.