Barcelona star Luis Suarez was unimpressed with Roma's negative approach as it frustrated the Spanish giant in a 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday (AEST).

The Uruguay international gave Barca the lead with a header from close range after a cross from Ivan Rakitic, but Alessandro Florenzi's wonder strike from almost 50 metres meant the Catalans had to settle for a point in their opening Group E clash.

Suarez was not happy with Roma's tactics after the game, although he did not want to look for excuses for his side's underwhelming performance in the Italian capital.

"We know how Italian sides are: they sit back and it's hard to break them down," Suarez said. "We controlled possession and had a lot of chances, but they scored from distance, which was a slice of luck.

"We did all we could to win, but we didn't have any luck.

"We can't look for excuses."

Barcelona resumes UEFA Champions League action at home against Bayer Leverkusen on 29 September.