Hamza Abdelkarim leads Barcelona to 5-2 win over Basel ahead of Al-Ahly clash
Barcelona defeated Switzerland’s Basel 5-2 in a friendly, with Hamza Abdelkarim starring, as the team prepares to face Egypt’s Al-Ahly.
Barcelona secured a 5-2 friendly victory over Swiss side Basel, with Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim proving to be a key player as the team geared up for their upcoming clash with Al-Ahly. The Spanish outfit claimed the win on Sunday, marking a significant step in their preparations for the new season.
New signing Karim Adeyemi opened the scoring in the 34th minute, converting a cross from Brazilian forward Raphinha, who played as a false nine. However, Basel's Aaron Malouda leveled the score just before halftime with a powerful shot, exploiting a defensive lapse from Barcelona.
As the second half commenced, Hamza Abdelkarim came on as a substitute and quickly restored Barcelona's lead, capitalizing on an Adeyemi cross in the 49th minute. Lamine Yamal returned to the team around the hour mark, having recently won the World Cup with Spain, and added to Barcelona's tally with a penalty in the 81st minute after being fouled by Jules Koundé.
Basel managed to reduce the deficit with a penalty from Kazim Olaigbe in the closing minutes. New arrival Jesse Piesseu then sealed the win for Barcelona with two swift goals, both assisted by Yamal, as the Catalan club prepares to face Egypt's Al-Ahly at Camp Nou next Wednesday in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
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