Hamza Abdelkarim and Raphinha lead Barcelona past Al Ahly in Joan Gamper Trophy

Hamza Abdelkarim and Raphinha were the outstanding figures for Barcelona in Spanish media coverage of their 2-1 friendly victory over Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

The Egyptian forward and Brazilian winger scored the goals that secured victory for Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday evening, as the club returned to its home stadium for the first time in about two and a half months.

However, the result did not completely convince the Spanish press, with several outlets questioning Barcelona’s performance despite the win.

Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo was particularly critical of the team, arguing that Barcelona were well below the standard they had established under German manager Hansi Flick.

Its headline described the side as “Barcelona below their usual level begin their home campaign”. The report said Flick’s players lacked the rhythm that had previously characterised their football.

Mundo Deportivo also singled out several individuals. It felt Spain winger Lamine Yamal had produced flashes of quality in the first half but that they had ultimately been ineffective, while France defender Jules Kounde was also judged to have struggled to reach his best level.

The newspaper nevertheless highlighted the significance of Barcelona playing at Spotify Camp Nou again. The club had not appeared at the stadium since completing their La Liga campaign in May.

Abdelkarim was given a more positive assessment. Mundo Deportivo considered him the most effective player on the pitch for either team, noting that he scored with one of his three attempts on target.

Spanish newspaper Marca reached a similar conclusion, saying Abdelkarim had continued his impressive pre-season form. His goal was his fourth for Barcelona during the build-up to the new campaign and kept him at the top of the club’s scoring charts before the season begins.

Marca also noted the forward’s decision not to celebrate after scoring against Al Ahly, the club where he developed as a youth player before moving to Barcelona in January.

The report praised the way Barcelona’s summer signings performed, with England forward Anthony Gordon and Germany striker Karim Adeyemi among those to attract attention.

Gordon earned particular approval despite missing a late penalty that he had won himself. Marca said his appearance as a central striker brought greater pace and movement to Barcelona’s attack.

Adeyemi, meanwhile, was seen as an early demonstration of why Flick had wanted to sign him. His speed created a threat down the right after he came on.

Catalan newspaper Sport focused on Raphinha’s first appearance as Barcelona captain. Flick has decided to give the Brazil international the armband for the new season.

The newspaper highlighted a speech Raphinha made before the match, in which he expressed his support for team-mate Rooney Bardghji after the player suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury before the start of the campaign.

Sport described that message as the most important moment of Raphinha’s first match as captain. By speaking about his team-mate before discussing trophies and honours, the winger showed why he deserved to wear the armband, according to the report.

The newspaper also felt it was important for Raphinha to take the penalty he had won himself and convert it. That allowed him to follow up his words away from the pitch with a tangible contribution during the game, although he subsequently left penalty duties to his Spanish team-mate Lamine Yamal.