Liverpool have set themselves up for a make-or-break showdown with Roma to stay in the Champions League.

After this goalless draw in the Nou Camp, the Anfield side know victory over Roma in their last match in this Group B next week will earn them a place in the quarter-finals.

The Reds have still not won a match in this enthralling group - but know just one victory will achieve their goal.

The last time Liverpool clawed their way to a goalless draw in the Catalan capital they were vilified for their negative approach.

This time, with a regimented, sound defence the core again to their whole performance, Liverpool were much better going forward, and had the better chances early on - with Steven Gerrard missing two gilt-edged chances in the first half.

Barcelona showed all their class, quality and mobility in the second period and had Liverpool rocking, but the visitors did not crack and fully deserved to leave this great stadium with a precious point.

Next week's Roma clash could be the moment for Gerard Houllier to finally make his return to the bench after returning to work - if only part time at the moment - after his long illness.

Barca's own current indifferent form was all too evident early on - the hosts looked tentative and disjointed as Liverpool clicked into gear.

In that early spell Liverpool should have taken the lead, with Gerrard the worst culprit, squandering clear-cut opportunities to give his side breathing space.

The first Gerrard miss came in the fourth minute after Jari Litmanen - playing against his former team with Michael Owen injured - had been fouled by Thiago Motta.

When John Arne Riise's free-kick curled into the box it cleared everyone and was met by an unmarked Gerrard racing in, but the midfielder completely mishit his shot with the goal at his mercy.

The last time Liverpool were here, they defended for their lives and rarely threatened in attack. This time they were more adventurous.

Emile Heskey almost surprised Roberto Bonano with a stabbed shot that the keeper needed to react swiftly to.

Liverpool's impressive disciplinary record in the competition until now was dented as Danny Murphy, Dietmar Hamann and Gerrard all picked up bookings in the first period.

Gerrard, Murphy and Riise hounded Barca right across midfield, and Gerrard's interception of a poor Carles Puyol throw gave Litmanen the chance to try his luck from 30 yards.

Liverpool had another great chance on 21 minutes when Murphy's free-kick from the left was met by Gerrard, who glanced a header agonisingly wide.

He held his head in his hands, knowing just how good a chance that was to turn Liverpool's calm superiority at that stage into a deserved lead.

Barca had been kept at arms length despite having plenty of possession, but the danger they have was evident when Rivaldo's clever pass sent Kluivert clear, but the Dutchman failed to control the ball properly and allowed Jerzy Dudek to collect.

The Catalans opened up Liverpool again on 34 minutes when Carragher fell as he tried to dispossess Saviola, and the little Argentinian crossed low into the six-yard box, where skipper Luis Enrique completely missed the ball as it fizzed invitingly in front of a gaping goal.

Kluivert had a header held by Dudek and then Saviola's angled shot from the left was deflected just wide by Stephane Henchoz.

Barca looked sharper and more mobile in the second period, and Rivaldo had an early chance with a free header 12 yards out from Coco's left wing cross.

The home side's frustrations mounted, Saviola and Kluivert both went down far too easily as they surged towards the box, and Greek referee Kyros Vassaras had the home fans raging by waving away all appeals.

Liverpool, though, created another good chance when Heskey was put away by Riise, getting behind Philippe Christanval, but as the big striker surged into the box, his attempt to chip was blocked by Bonano.

Rivaldo, with a terrific shot with barely any backlift, had Dudek plunging across his goal and the Polish keeper had to get down quickly to block and hold a long range effort from Puyol.

Rivaldo was everywhere now and saw a curling free-kick blocked, with the ball falling to Coco, whose fierce drive was bravely blocked by Heskey.

Christanval hit the post with a header before Rivaldo got to the loose ball before anyone else, spun and saw Dudek block the shot.

On 69 minutes Vladimir Smicer came on for Litmanen and seconds later Saviola neatly nutmegged Carragher in the box before firing wide.

Milan Baros came on for the limping Heskey a minute later for his first team debut with Liverpool hanging.

On 78 minutes Nicky Barmby took over from Gerrard, who by now was looking weary and seemed to be limping slightly.

Barca took off Saviola, to the annoyance of their crowd, and replaced him with Geovanni with three minutes left.

But the changes did not alter the path of the match, and Barca - so impressive in their 3-1 win at Anfield in November - were left frustrated.

Teams:

Barcelona: Bonano, Puyol, Christanval, de Boer, Coco, Cocu, Luis Enrique (Gerard 77), Motta, Rivaldo, Saviola (Geovanni 88), Kluivert.

Subs Not Used: Reina, Abelardo, Xavi, Rochemback, Gabri.

Booked: Cocu.

Liverpool: Dudek, Xavier, Henchoz, Hyypia, Carragher, Murphy, Gerrard (Barmby 80), Hamann, Riise, Litmanen (Smicer 70), Heskey (Baros 74).

Subs Not Used: Kirkland, McAllister, Biscan, Wright.

Booked: Murphy, Gerrard, Hamann.

Att: 75,362

Ref: Kyros Vassaras (Greece).