Hamza Abdelkarim scored twice on his unofficial Barcelona first-team debut before Birmingham City won 3-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
The 18-year-old started at centre-forward and played 62 minutes at St Andrew’s as one of 10 players making their senior Barcelona debuts.
Birmingham took the lead in the 31st minute when Priske headed home a cross, but Abdelkarim brought Barcelona level shortly before half-time.
The Egyptian won a penalty after being fouled inside the area and converted it confidently in the 42nd minute.
He completed his brace on the hour mark, reacting quickest after Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle deflected Roony Bardghji’s shot into his path.
Former Girona midfielder Jhon Solís equalised in the 69th minute, leaving the teams level at the end of normal time.
Birmingham then won the resulting shootout 3-2, despite substitute Barcelona goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili saving two penalties.
Speaking after the match, Abdelkarim expressed his satisfaction with his performance while emphasizing the squad’s continued development.
“It was really great. I’m very happy, and I hope we keep working,” he said.
Abdelkarim added that Barcelona had played well against a physically strong Birmingham team. He said the club’s young players needed time to understand one another and build confidence.
The former Al Ahly striker also said he hopes his performance represents the beginning of a longer first team opportunity.
Abdelkarim said he wanted supporters to see more of the qualities he showed in Birmingham, particularly his ability to create chances and score goals.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised the forward’s personality, potential and movement inside the penalty area.
“That’s what I ask of a number nine,” Flick said after the game.
The German had previously opened the door for Abdelkarim to join Barcelona’s first-team pre-season preparations following his performances at youth level.
The 18-year-old initially joined Barcelona on loan from Al Ahly in February, becoming the first Egyptian player to sign for the Catalan club. He scored six goals in 11 appearances for Barcelona’s under-19 side before the club exercised its purchase option. Barcelona completed his permanent transfer in June, handing him a three-year contract running until June 2029.