FC Barcelona returned to St Andrew’s on Friday evening for a pre-season friendly that ended 2-2 against Birmingham City. The match offered a useful workout for both sides ahead of the 2026-27 campaign and provided a rare opportunity for local supporters to see high-profile opposition at the Birmingham ground.
Match summary
Birmingham took an early advantage when August Priske headed the opener shortly before half-time. Barcelona responded before the interval when Hamza Abdelkarim won and converted a penalty to level the scores. Abdelkarim then completed a second goal early in the second half, reacting quickest to a saved effort to make it 2-1 to the visitors. Birmingham recovered later on through Jhon Solís, who converted a set-piece opportunity to restore parity.
- Final score: Birmingham City 2–2 FC Barcelona
- Barcelona goals: Hamza Abdelkarim (pen, 42; rebound, 60)
- Birmingham goals: August Priske (approx. 31), Jhon Solís (68)
What the game showed
The fixture was used by both managers to assess squad members and match fitness. Barcelona’s line-up mixed La Masia prospects with a few senior players, while Birmingham fielded a side further into Championship pre-season work. The Blaugrana retained much of the ball in spells but were vulnerable to Birmingham’s pressing and set-piece threats.
For Barcelona the headline was the emergence of 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim, who opened his pre-season account with a composed penalty and a classic poacher’s finish from the rebound. He was substituted soon after his second strike, having completed his contribution to the contest.
From a Birmingham perspective, the match highlighted the team’s capacity to compete physically and exploit opportunities from crosses and dead-ball situations. The hosts also had to contend with a rotating Barcelona side that introduced further changes in the second half.
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| ~31 | August Priske (Birmingham) heads home |
| 42 | Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona) scores penalty |
| 60 | Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona) converts rebound |
| 68 | Jhon Solís (Birmingham) equalises |
Local relevance and next steps
For Birmingham City supporters the fixture was a chance to measure the squad against elite opposition on home turf. Pre-season results are seldom definitive, but the match will contribute to preparations and selection decisions ahead of the Championship season. Barcelona continue their build-up for the new campaign with a youthful core being assessed under the management team.
Supporters looking for practical details: pre-season friendlies typically do not affect league registrations or transfer windows. Any significant injuries or squad changes arising from the match will be reported by the clubs in due course.
This coverage will be updated if either club provides further statements or squad news relating to the game.
