A winning return to Camp Nou

Barcelona wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the 2026 edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou. First-half goals from Hamza Abdelkarim and Raphinha proved enough to secure the win in what was a solid, if unspectacular, finale to the club's summer schedule.

First half: Barça in control

Hansi Flick deployed his familiar 4-3-3 formation, with a midfield trio of Marc Bernal, Xavi Espart, and Fermín López looking particularly impressive. Bernal stood out as a single pivot, offering a glimpse of how the team might function with new signing Rodri, who was not involved in the match.

Barça moved the ball well from back to front, though they struggled to create clear-cut chances in the final third, with Lamine Yamal looking very much still in early pre-season form.

The breakthrough came when Abdelkarim — starting up front against his former club — finished off a fine move that began with a great pass from Raphinha and an assist from Alejandro Balde. The young striker's movement and link-up play were impressive throughout.

Raphinha then won and converted a penalty just before halftime to give Barcelona a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.

Second half: A weakened XI struggles

Flick made wholesale changes at the restart, and a side filled with youngsters and reserves struggled to find their rhythm. Al Ahly's Zizo scored on the counter-attack just five minutes into the second half to halve the deficit and make things interesting.

Barça remained dominant in possession, with Karim Adeyemi particularly direct and aggressive during his substitute appearance, but the Catalans struggled to create big opportunities to find a third goal.

Three talking points

Hamza Abdelkarim's case for minutes

Four goals in three pre-season games is a statement return from the young striker. A blend of pace, strength, intelligent movement, and an eye for goal has made Abdelkarim one of the standout stories of Barcelona's summer. While still raw at the elite level, he at least affords Flick the option of a genuine No. 9 rather than resorting to a false nine if the club fails to sign a centre-forward before the window closes.

Questions over Jules Kounde

Culers have long argued that Jules Kounde is a liability at right-back, and this pre-season has done little to change that perception. Flick experimented with the Frenchman in central defence — his original position — following Ronald Araujo's loan departure, but Kounde once again looked uncomfortable, particularly when Al Ahly scored early in the second half. Meanwhile, Eric Garcia's more attack-minded display in the right-back slot has done Kounde's case no favours.

Anthony Gordon settling in nicely

The former Newcastle United man continues to impress in a Barcelona shirt. Used in a second-half cameo — and even finishing the game as a false nine — Gordon's work rate and attacking quality have made him an instant favourite. He won a late penalty to restore Barça's two-goal lead, though he couldn't convert the spot kick himself. Still, Flick will be delighted with how seamlessly the Englishman has adapted to life in Catalonia.

Looking ahead

Flick also used the occasion to welcome back Gavi and Pedri, who made their first appearances of pre-season off the bench. With key players still finding their rhythm and the international break having disrupted preparations, the German coach remained positive about his team's trajectory.

"This preseason has not been easy because many players arrived a week ago. We have managed these games so that they can get minutes," Flick said. "We have quality, a fantastic team. We have to manage it because this international break has not made it easy for us, but we have a good feeling."

The Gamper win may not have been a classic, but with La Liga kicking off this weekend — Barcelona travel to Elche on Sunday — and the transfer window still open until September 1, there is plenty of reason for optimism at Camp Nou.