Hamza Abdulkareem scores twice for Barcelona in Birmingham City friendly

Hamza Abdulkareem scored his second goal for Barcelona’s first team as the Egypt international struck twice in a friendly against Birmingham City on the club’s pre-season tour of England.

Barcelona are facing Birmingham City in their first friendly match of the England tour as Hansi Flick’s side continue preparations for the new season.

Abdulkareem added his second goal in the 60th minute after reacting quickest to a chance created by Roony Bardghji. The Barcelona forward followed up after Bardghji’s shot had been saved by the Birmingham City goalkeeper and placed the rebound into the English side’s net.

The goal completed a brace for Abdulkareem in the match and marked the second time he has scored for Barcelona’s senior team in friendly football.

He was taken off shortly afterwards as Flick made a series of substitutions. The Barcelona manager used the changes to give younger players an opportunity to take part in the game during the club’s preparations for the new campaign.

Abdulkareem’s appearance against Birmingham City represents another notable moment in his early involvement with Barcelona’s first team. His goals have also given him a place in the club’s pre-season scoring record ahead of the new season.

The Egyptian is now the first player from his country to score for the Catalan club, according to the report. His second goal came during a match being used by Barcelona to build match fitness and offer playing time to members of the squad, including younger players.

The friendly is part of Barcelona’s preparations in England, with the team using the fixture to continue its work before the competitive season begins. Abdulkareem’s contribution provided the main attacking highlight for the Spanish side, while Flick’s substitutions allowed a wider group of players to feature.

His first goal for Barcelona’s first team had already established a milestone, but the brace against Birmingham City added further significance to his progress. The 60th-minute finish came from a rebound rather than an initial shot, but Abdulkareem’s positioning enabled him to take advantage after the Birmingham goalkeeper had denied Bardghji.

The Egypt international then left the field as part of Flick’s planned changes, ending his involvement after scoring twice. His performance leaves him with two goals for Barcelona’s first team in friendly matches and makes him the first Egyptian to find the net for the club.