Barcelona held by Birmingham club, Arsenal and United claim wins
Barcelona drew 2:2 with Birmingham's second-strongest club, Arsenal beat Girona 4:1, and Manchester United defeated Atletico Madrid 2:1 in pre-season friendlies.
In a pre-season friendly in England, Barcelona were held to a 2:2 draw by Birmingham's second-strongest club. The Catalans dominated possession (70% to 30%) and had 13 shots to seven, but could not secure a win.
The home side took the lead in the 31st minute through Danish player August Priskem. Barcelona earned a penalty late in the first half, converted by Hamza Abdelkarim. Shortly before the hour mark, the 18-year-old Egyptian, who featured at the World Cup, put Barca ahead 2:1. However, Colombian John Elmer Solis Romero equalised for the hosts in the 69th minute.
Arsenal thrash Girona
English champions Arsenal thrashed Girona 4:1 away in Catalonia. Girona were recently relegated from La Liga and had previously competed in the UEFA Champions League. Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis, 16-year-old Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus scored for the Gunners. Next week, Arsenal will host Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup. Dortmund, on their Japan tour, lost 0:1 to Cerezo Osaka and then beat Tokyo 1:0.
United beat Atletico
Manchester United beat Atletico Madrid 2:1 in Solna, a suburb of Stockholm. Atletico took an early lead through Arnau Ortiz in the fifth minute, but Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo scored twice in the second half to give United the win.
Both teams face strong opponents next: United meet European champions Paris Saint-Germain on 8 August, while the Madrid side take on Manchester City a day later.
