Barcelona Beat Al Ahly to Lift Gamper Trophy

Barcelona ended their pre-season on a winning note, defeating Al Ahly 2-1 at Camp Nou on Wednesday to lift the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Hansi Flick’s side dominated from the start, controlling possession and creating the better chances. Their pressure finally paid off in the 29th minute when 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim calmly finished from close range to put Barcelona ahead.

The young forward did not celebrate against his former club. Instead, he raised his hands together in an apologetic gesture after finding the net.

Barcelona doubled their advantage late in the first half when Raphinha was brought down inside the box. The Brazilian forward stepped up himself and converted the penalty to make it 2-0.

Al Ahly came out strongly after the break and quickly pulled one goal back. Egyptian winger Zizo led a counter-attack, entered the box and fired a powerful shot past the Barcelona goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Flick then changed his entire XI during the second half, which took some of the sharpness out of Barcelona’s play. The Catalan side still created opportunities to extend their lead.

Barcelona were awarded another penalty after Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the box. However, the English winger, who joined Barcelona from Newcastle United this summer, saw his weak spot-kick saved by the Al Ahly goalkeeper.

Barcelona held on for a 2-1 victory to secure the Joan Gamper Trophy and finish their pre-season campaign with a win.

Abdelkarim’s rise has been one of the talking points of the match. He joined Barcelona on loan from Al Ahly in January and scored six goals in 11 appearances for Barcelona’s Under-19 side. Impressed by his performances, the Catalan club later made his move permanent.

Barcelona will now turn their attention to the new La Liga campaign, which begins on Sunday against Elche as they look to defend their league title.