Barcelona were held to a goalless draw in Lyon as both teams struggled to show a cutting edge in front of goal.
In an even contest, Martin Terrier had Lyon's best opportunity shortly before half-time while Luis Suarez, without a goal this season in Europe, wasted Barca's best moments and Lionel Messi was relatively quiet.
The usually free-scoring Catalan giants drew three games in a row before battling to a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday, scoring only four goals across the four games.
Three of those came from Messi, including two penalties, but the Argentina star was unable to add to his tally against a stubborn Lyon side.
It leaves the tie well-poised heading to the Nou Camp for the second leg, with Barca's lack of an away goal meaning they will have to win the game should they concede.
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