Hamza Abdelkarim scores twice as Birmingham City beat Barcelona on penalties

Birmingham City defeated Barcelona 3-2 on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly, with Hamza Abdelkarim scoring both goals for the Catalan side.

The match was decided from the spot after the two teams could not be separated during 90 minutes. August Priske and Jhon Solis scored for Birmingham City, while Abdelkarim twice found the net for Barcelona.

The game also marked a significant moment for Abdelkarim, who scored his first goals for Barcelona’s senior team since being promoted to the first-team group during pre-season.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick included the Egypt international in his preparations after Abdelkarim returned from representing Egypt at the World Cup. He was given the opportunity to lead the line in the club’s second friendly of the training camp.

Barcelona had won their opening pre-season game 4-1 against Europa, in a match played behind closed doors.

Birmingham City made the stronger start and went ahead in the 31st minute. Alex Cochrane delivered a cross into the penalty area, allowing Priske to produce a well-directed header which gave the home side the lead.

Barcelona were level before half-time after Abdelkarim was brought down inside the penalty area in the 42nd minute. The forward took responsibility for the resulting penalty and sent the ball past the Birmingham goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

Abdelkarim then completed his double shortly after the hour mark. In the 60th minute, Roony Bardghji’s effort was saved by the Birmingham goalkeeper, but Abdelkarim reacted quickest to turn the rebound into the net and put Barcelona in front.

The Egyptian striker left the pitch immediately after scoring the second goal for the Catalan club.

Barcelona’s advantage lasted only eight minutes. Solis restored parity in the 68th minute when he met an excellent cross and finished past Wojciech Szczesny, bringing Birmingham City level at 2-2.

Neither team could find a decisive goal before the end of normal time, sending the friendly to a penalty shootout. Birmingham City prevailed 3-2 from the spot to complete an impressive victory in front of their home supporters.

The fixture formed part of Barcelona’s preparations in England. Flick’s side will play Nottingham Forest in their next friendly on 8 August during the club’s training camp.