Hamza Abdelkarim on target as Barcelona beat Basel in friendly

Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim was on target as Barcelona recorded a convincing 5-2 victory over Swiss side Basel in a pre-season friendly on Sunday evening.

The win formed part of Barcelona’s preparations for the new season, with Karim Adeyemi, Abdelkarim, Lamine Yamal and Jesse Bisiwu, who scored twice, getting on the scoresheet for the Spanish giants.

Adeyemi gives Barcelona the lead

Barcelona started strongly and quickly put Basel under pressure, particularly through the wings.

Jordan and Adeyemi created early openings before Barcelona eventually broke the deadlock.

Raphinha delivered a cross towards the far post and Adeyemi took advantage, finishing with his left foot to give Barcelona the lead.

Basel gradually grew into the game and came close to scoring through Aaron Malouda.

Barcelona missed opportunities to extend their advantage before half-time, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez both failing to convert their chances.

Basel punished those misses when Jean Doucoure capitalised on a defensive error to equalise and send the home supporters into celebration.

Abdelkarim restores Barcelona’s lead

Barcelona made several changes at the start of the second half as coach Hansi Flick looked to distribute playing time.

Szczesny, Kounde, Besker and Hamza Abdelkarim were introduced, while Raphinha moved to the left wing.

The changes immediately paid dividends.

Barcelona attacked at the start of the second half and Abdelkarim found the net to restore the visitors’ advantage.

The goal gave Barcelona greater control of the contest as they continued to search for more goals.

Yamal makes his mark

Much of the attention then turned to Lamine Yamal, who had received a warm reception from the supporters during the pre-match warm-up.

Yamal entered the game in the 65th minute alongside Dani Olmo and quickly became one of the focal points of Barcelona’s attack.

Ten minutes before the end, Barcelona were awarded a penalty after Kounde was fouled inside the area.

Yamal stepped up and converted from the spot to put Barcelona 3-1 ahead.

Basel responded when Kazeem Olaigbe scored from a penalty following a challenge by Farinias, reducing the deficit to 3-2.

Bisiwu seals convincing victory

Barcelona responded strongly in the closing stages.

Jesse Bisiwu scored twice in quick succession to restore Barcelona’s two-goal advantage and then complete the 5-2 victory.

The result gave Barcelona an encouraging win in their pre-season preparations, while Abdelkarim’s goal provided a notable moment for the Ghanaian youngster.

Bisiwu’s late brace also ensured Barcelona finished the match in emphatic fashion.