Barcelona and Manchester United will square off in the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie at Camp Nou. These clubs have a longstanding rivalry, making this matchup sure to be an intriguing one.

Early chances have come and gone in this thrilling match, but Rashford finally scores the equaliser after an exemplary Fred pass through the lines! Ter Stegen will be left wondering what he could have done differently to prevent it.

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski has achieved incredible feats throughout his career and remains one of the greatest strikers in soccer history. With more than 500 goals scored in senior football matches and currently captaining Poland's national team, he remains an inspiration to millions around the world.

After a career in Poland, where he was the top scorer in lower divisions for MKS Varsovia and Delta Warsaw, Lewandowski moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2010, being heralded as "the future of the Bundesliga." In his first season with the club he scored 22 goals to help them secure their fourth title.

He then went on to win the German Cup and UEFA Champions League before joining FC Bayern Munich in 2014, where he has since gone on to collect eight titles and 19 trophies.

The Polish striker has had an extraordinary journey, which has seen him overcome hardships on the way to success. Tragically, his father passed away when he was still young - a difficult period for the family.

Lewandowski was determined to achieve his full potential and focus on reaching his goals, even with obstacles in the way. Jurgen Klopp, Lewandowski's coach at Dortmund, had a major influence on him as well.

Lewandowski rose to the challenge and scored 16 goals during Poland's qualification for the 2018 World Cup, as part of a squad that also qualified for the European Championships.

His goals helped Poland reach the final of the tournament. Following his move to Barcelona in 2022, he has scored nine goals this campaign for Barcelona.

He is one of the best players in La Liga and will be looking to increase his goal tally this week. With such a gifted striker at his disposal, he could be an invaluable asset for his team as they aim for victory this weekend.

Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba of Barcelona has been a standout performer in recent matches. His left-sided presence has caused Nani to take some risks and disrupt United's plans, while also setting himself up to receive dangerous crosses. On Sunday afternoon at Camp Nou, Alba was an inspired hero as Barcelona earned a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

United's 23-year-old was a constant threat throughout the game, but it was when he burst forward that we really saw him make an impact. He's capable of playing either left winger or left-back and his movements this season have been superb.

He made a great challenge to deny Robinho and his 82nd-minute goal against Milan was one of the most impressive of this campaign so far, showcasing his disciplined play and excellent passing abilities. Since rejoining Barcelona from their former side in 2012, he has become an important part of their attack; and looks set to remain so throughout this season.

Alonso takes the lead with a well-taken header from Raphinha's corner. But Rashford, one of Manchester United's key players, equalizes quickly by sending a low shot past Ter Stegen and into the far corner.

United were outplayed by Barca, yet they had the edge on offense. Fernandes' through ball for Weghorst was a beauty and should have put it past Ter Stegen; instead, his shot flew wide of the goal.

Late on, United had a chance to seal it with Ronald Araujo's back-post header hitting the post and sending United searching for a penalty. Jules Kounde was penalised for handball but that wasn't a penalty and Malacia produced an important block to keep United in contention.

Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong is a Dutch midfielder who plays for both the Netherlands national team and Barcelona. He has earned numerous awards for his talent, being considered one of Europe's top young players. His services have been sought out by top clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

He boasts impressive dribbling skills and strong defensive capabilities. Additionally, he is an adept passer with the potential to score goals. Furthermore, his versatility allows him to play in different positions.

De Jong has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent years, and it appears that a deal could be completed this summer at Old Trafford. However, De Jong has expressed his reluctance to leave Barcelona, making a deal for him likely difficult in the near future.

He has spent the last several years playing as a central midfielder for both Ajax and Barcelona, where he has enjoyed great success. His technique and passing have been praised by many throughout both clubs.

At his induction into Barca, he was expected to replace Sergio Busquets in the holding midfield role. But his strengths don't necessarily make him the ideal choice for that position.

He would be more effective playing in the middle of the park, where he can have some responsibility at the base of the midfield three but also defend and power forward. With plenty of energy and natural high presser ability, this position fits best for him.

He is a gifted, creative player who can be an important factor in Barcelona's attack. His goal at the weekend proved just how crucial he could be this season - an example of why.

Pedri

Pedri is a young midfielder who has achieved great success for Barcelona and Spain. He possesses great creativity, being able to dribble past defenders with ease, plus excellent passing ability and goal scoring potential. As such, Pedri has become an invaluable asset to both clubs.

His impressive performances on the field have earned him widespread praise from fans. He is considered to be one of the top young footballers in the world right now.

His performances have earned him a place in the Spanish national team squad. Additionally, he has made multiple appearances for his club team Barcelona.

He is a versatile midfielder, capable of playing both as central midfielder or winger. Additionally, he boasts impressive speed which enables him to dribble past opponents' defenses and score goals from long range.

The 20-year-old joined Barca in 2020 and quickly established himself as an integral member of the squad. Additionally, he has scored several goals and provided numerous assists for Barca throughout their journey.

However, he is expected to miss the second leg of their Europa League clash against Manchester United due to a hamstring injury. Tests will be conducted to assess the full extent of his discomfort.

After an exciting first leg against Manchester United, Barcelona have been dealt a double blow ahead of their return match at the Camp Nou. Xavi will be without two of his most important midfielders with Gavi suspended and Pedri set to miss due to an injury.

Soon before half time against Manchester United, the 20-year-old suffered a hamstring injury and will miss the second leg of their tie. Sergi Roberto is likely to step in as his replacement.

Raphinha

On Thursday night, Barcelona's comeback against Manchester United was remarkable. Raphinha was instrumental in their comeback from a 2-0 deficit and was eventually taken off with the score at 2-2 to give teammate Ferran Torres time to make an impact.

Raphinha, despite his frustration at being substituted, played well in midfield and provided an important attacking threat. He was also an integral part of the defence and has been one of the standout performers this season despite injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets.

Barcelona coach Xavi had no issues with Raphinha's behavior after he was taken off late on, but now that the Brazil international has been given the chance to demonstrate why he should start over Ousmane Dembele when fit. But to build on his performance against United, Raphinha must follow it up with consistent displays in future matches.

The opening half was a cagey contest, with both teams having chances to score at various points. Both keepers did well to keep their respective sides in the game, though United had some good chances of their own.

In the opening minutes, Fred almost connected with Bruno Fernandes with a cross. The United forward ran hard to get at it but missed by a hair.

Raphinha's clever move set Rashford up perfectly for a shot that sneaked past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. United had earned their lead, yet were disappointed not to see it extended further.