Abdelkarim’s penalty clinches Barcelona win in Birmingham friendly

Abdelkarim’s winning penalty sealed Barcelona’s triumph in the Club Friendlies clash at St Andrew’s, also known as Knighthead Park, after the game finished 2‑2 after extra time. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham watched the Egyptian forward’s spot‑kick from the Birmingham City bench, underscoring the Birmingham showdown.

August Priske gave Birmingham City the lead in the 31st minute. Hamza Abdelkarim levelled from the spot shortly before half‑time.

In the 60th minute Abdelkarim put Barcelona ahead. Jhon Solis struck eight minutes later to make it 2‑2 and force extra time.

The dead‑lock persisted through extra time, leading to a penalty shoot‑out. Abdelkarim earned a soft penalty after Christoph Klarer’s challenge and later converted a second spot‑kick after James Beadle spilled Roony Bardghji’s shot.

Barca manager Hansi Flick noted the victory gave the Spanish side a morale boost ahead of the coming week. Barcelona prevailed 3‑2 on penalties, securing the friendly win.

Flick praised Abdelkarim’s humility, character and box‑instincts, saying the performance should raise his confidence. He also highlighted the youngster’s intensity, aerial ability and willingness to press.

Abdelkarim arrived from Al‑Ahly for €1.5 million plus add‑ons after an initial loan to Barcelona B in February, helped the under‑19s win their league title and scored five goals in seven games, including a hat‑trick in a 9‑0 win over Montecarlo. His form earned a senior international call‑up and four appearances for Egypt at the World Cup, where he was one of the five youngest players.

Bellingham, back on his post‑World Cup break and wearing the Blues’ new home shirt, noted the Egyptian striker’s clinical penalty and poacher’s finish. He observed that Abdelkarim’s composure could make him a contender for Egypt’s future, alongside Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.

Barcelona’s squad dynamics also feature Lamine Yamal, new signings Anthony Gordon (still on break) and Karim Adeyemi, who played the first half, while the loan of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United was not made permanent.