Barcelona forward Luis Suarez has claimed that "there was a lack of communication in the first half" of his team's goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.

The Spanish champions missed the chance to open up an eight-point advantage at the top of La Liga as they were held to a goalless draw at San Mames.

Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in the capital derby on Saturday to move into second spot, just five points behind Barca ahead of kickoff at San Mames.

Ernesto Valverde's side could not return to winning ways, however, with Bilbao putting in a strong performance.

Suarez has said that his team must take the positives from the draw, but the Uruguay international has conceded that "the little details" cost the Catalan giants all three points.

"We're still top. The important thing is that we still have a good advantage, we're still top and we have not lost today," Sport quotes Suarez as saying.

"There was a lack of communication in the first half. That's something we have to improve. We lost balls, we didn't speak. We have to ask for the ball more. It's the little details."

Barcelona, who have now drawn their last three matches in all competitions, will not return to action until next Saturday, when they host Real Valladolid in the league.