Barcelona kicked off their pre-season campaign with a penalty shootout defeat to Birmingham City after an entertaining 2-2 draw at a packed St Andrew's. The Spanish giants were beaten 3-2 in the shootout as Hansi Flick handed opportunities to a youthful squad, with many senior players still unavailable following their international commitments at the summer's major tournaments.

Birmingham City made the brighter start and took the lead through August Priske, delighting the home supporters. Barcelona responded before the break thanks to new signing Hamza Abdelkarim, who later completed his impressive display by putting the Catalan side ahead in the 60th minute.

The hosts refused to back down, and John Solis restored parity after a well-worked attacking move, ensuring the contest would be decided from the penalty spot.

In the shootout, goalkeeper James Beadle emerged as the hero for Birmingham City, producing three saves to seal a 3-2 victory on penalties. The result allowed the Championship side to complete their pre-season schedule unbeaten, while Barcelona and Hansi Flick will take plenty of positives from a promising performance by the club's next generation despite the defeat.