A win against Real Betis on Saturday could have served as a boost in confidence for Barcelona ahead of their crucial duel with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Yet, the Blaugrana produced a poor display in the first half and lacked that finishing touch after the break, with Betis escaping from the Camp Nou with all three points.
Barcelona's scoring issues have been evident since the start of the season. Injuries to starting forwards have taken their toll on the team, with former coach Ronald Koeman also failing to find a solution.
Xavi Hernandez is now burdened the same problem and in the game against Betis he decided to use Philippe Coutinho in search of some creativity in the final third.
The Brazil international got off to an excellent start, but his performance faded as the game went on, while Abde Ezzalzouli didn't make an impression on the right-hand side.
Memphis Depay barely participated in any Barcelona attacks for yet another game, with Ousmane Dembele coming off the bench and changing the flow of the duel.
The Frenchman was particularly active and was involved in three big chances, but Barcelona failed to hit the back of the net, before Xavi decided to send on Luuk de Jong, who hardly touched the ball.
Barcelona may have been lucky against Benfica, who wasted a huge chance to snatch the win at the Camp Nou, but Betis managed to punish the Blaugrana, with Juanmi handing victory to the Andalusian side.