Adeyemi Was Supposed to Steal the Show. Hamza Did It Instead

Karim Adeyemi’s debut was supposed to be the main event. Barcelona’s new winger started the match, received the No. 14 shirt and had the entire first half to display his pace. There were a few lively runs, but his passing and decision-making lacked precision. He also lost possession before Birmingham’s opening goal. For one evening, Cruyff’s old number worked better as decoration than inspiration. Both El País and Mundo Deportivo noted that the German was still well short of full fitness.

Instead, the spotlight belonged to 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim. The Egyptian won and converted a penalty before scoring again from the rebound after Roony Bardghji’s shot. His first two senior goals for Barça arrived on a night designed to introduce the club’s latest signing. Barcelona can keep buying new names, but somehow it is still a teenager from the reserves who has to provide the goals.

Hansi Flick defended Adeyemi after the match. The coach said the winger had shown glimpses of his ability, expressed satisfaction with his minutes and predicted a much better version once he has completed more training sessions. It was a reasonable assessment, although at Barcelona “he still needs time” has become almost as traditional as the shirt presentation and the photograph with Laporta. AS

Barça drew 2–2 with a Championship side before losing the shootout 3–2. Adeyemi got his debut, Hamza got the goals and Birmingham got the win. Everyone left with something, although Barcelona appeared happiest with the potential.