The schedule has been released for the 2011 Champions League tournament in European football, and it starts off with a bang, pitting Barcelona versus Arsenal (the pro club from England). These two teams have met before, with Barcelona getting the edge over Arsenal in their last two significant meetings, including the championship game in 2006. Barcelona-Arsenal is hardly the only contest that will be getting plenty of attention in this year’s tournament.

A Talented Field

Tottenham Hotspur drew AC Milan (the last team to repeat as champions, albeit twenty-odd years ago) in the first round, and that too is expected to be a must-see sporting event. Lyon hopes to surprise people as it takes on powerful Real Madrid, and Marseilles will go up against the wildly popular Manchester United. Inter Milan opens with a rematch against Bayern Munich, whom they defeated 2-nil in last year’s finals round. All are hoping to slog their way to victory as they pursue Europe’s most coveted football trophy. The final is to be played in London’s famed Wembley Stadium.

On this Side of the Pond

American soccer is also gearing up for an exciting season. The most recognizable team, the L.A. Galaxy, features World Cup hero Landon Donovan and the legendary David Beckham. They open their season against the Seattle Sounders on March 15th in a game that will be televised nationally on ESPN. Three days later, the focus will shift to Canada, where the Toronto squad will go to play the expansion Vancouver franchise. Defending champs Colorado will host the expansion Portland Timbers on that same day.

With European teams forging major television broadcast deals, and Americans finding a «new sport» on which to fixate, the expansion of the popularity of futbol is an irreversible trend. Around the world, the sport’s top officials recognize this, and are moving with all due speed and deliberation to make sure it continues.