Birmingham City defeat Barcelona on penalties at St Andrew’s

EFL Championship side Birmingham City hosted La Liga champions Barcelona at St Andrew’s on Friday. The Catalan side are in England for their pre-season, where they will also face Nottingham Forest and Udinese.

The first goal in the friendly came in the 31st minute, as August Priske gave the hosts the lead. The Blues were in front against Barcelona, who were without numerous first-team stars.

18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim brought the game level, scoring from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute. The teenager’s goal made sure the game was 1-1 at half-time.

Former Blues midfielder and current Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was spotted in attendance at the game, showing his support for his boyhood club against one of Real Madrid’s biggest rivals.

Barcelona made four changes at half-time, and their substitutions had an impact in the first 15 minutes. Abdelkarim scored his second goal of the game, putting the visitors in front. The Egyptian was searching for a hat-trick on his Barcelona debut.

Although the away team were in front, their lead did not last long. Eight minutes later, Jhon Solis Romero levelled, and the 21-year-old made the scoreline 2-2.

With 13 minutes left, Birmingham City made nine changes, but none of those substitutions could have an impact in the remainder of the game. With the scoreline level at 2-2, penalties were to decide who won the clash.

Birmingham City won the shootout 3-2 and claimed an impressive pre-season win over a heavily rotated Barcelona. The Championship side have now won all five of their pre-season fixtures, ahead of their EFL Cup clash with Swansea City next week.

Barça still have three more pre-season fixtures before their opening La Liga game of the season, which is against Elche.