After two defeats since Luis Suarez came into the team, Barcelona seek to recover Wednesday when the Uruguayan striker returns to Amsterdam to face former club Ajax in a Group F fixture in the Champions League. Barcelona were beaten 3-1 at Real Madrid and then relinquished the leadership of La Liga on Sunday after a home defeat by Celta Vigo.

Coach Luis Enrique’s squad needs to fix defence frailties and a misfiring attack to avoid a third loss since the usually prolific Suarez returned to action after suspension.

In a clash of two four-time European champions, Ajax will hope to repeat their Champions League victory last season.

Suarez will be playing his first hampions League game for Barcelona following suspension for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. Suarez played for Ajax from 2007 to 2011. He was club captain and player of the year.

Last year, Ajax beat Barcelona 2-1 thanks to a dazzling first-half attacking display and then determined defending when Joel Veltman was sent off.

“Maybe we should watch the videos of last year,” said midfielder Lasse Schone. After losing 3-1 two weeks ago in Barcelona, Veltman believes Ajax must be bold. “We have to be daring,” he said.

Barcelona are second in Group F, a point behind Paris Saint-Germain. Ajax, with two draws and a defeat so far, are third, one point ahead of Apoel Nicosia.

Suarez struggled to integrate into the Barcelona team against Real Madrid. “I felt tactically lost and disorganized at the Bernabeu,” he said. “I couldn’t coordinate things well.”

He shot wide, was involved in a mix-up in the area and looked unable to sprint clear of opponents. He said the team had trained to improve things and he was slowly feeling more used to the formation.