With their Champions League last-16 second leg tie away at Inter Milan on Tuesday in mind, Rafael Benitez had the luxury of taking off both Gerrard and Torres.
Inter knew that vital away goal would leave Chelsea with a huge task, and Eto'o wasted a wonderful opportunity to provide it for them after 33 minutes.
The stalemate was the first time Barcelona had failed to score in La Liga since October, and came ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semifinal first leg away to Inter Milan.