Wasteful Barcelona could not convert any of their 25 shots in a goalless Champions League last-16 first-leg draw against Lyon.
Usually so proficient in front of goal, Barca’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Phillipe Coutinho were all denied by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.
Meanwhile, Barca defender Gerard Pique reopened his feud with Real Madrid by suggesting the team act in a hypocritical fashion when it comes to refereeing decisions – whichever sport they play.
There was anger at Real Madrid over the way the recent basketball Copa del Rey final ended and Los Blancos have also expressed frustration at some refereeing decisions in LaLiga Santander, but Pique pointed out that some calls have also gone in their favour.
“It happens in basketball and in football,” he said, when asked about the capital city club’s criticism of officiating as he answered questions after Barcelona’s 0-0 draw with Lyon.
“Then they go to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano and they’re quiet for a while after what happened there.
“It’s a good thing they don’t do other sports, like handball or hockey, as they’d complain about those too.”
“Then there was the refereeing controversy, but first they favoured Real Madridand then Barcelona.
“If the referees hadn’t made any mistakes at all then Barcelona would have won.
“All the rest is just noise to try to cover the fact that Barcelona were champions.”
“I am very proud of these players.”
Barcelona had 25 fruitless attempts on goal during Tuesday’s stalemate, with Luis Suarez taking most blame for being the most wasteful in front of goal.
But Pique is confident that the goals will arrive for his team for the last-16 decider on March 13.