The Champions League may be a European football tournament, but it brings together some of the world's best football clubs and players, from the English Premier League's Manchester United and Arsenal to Spanish La Liga's Real Madrid and Barcelona. It's a massive global draw - particularly in Asia. Here's everything you need to know about the Champions League.

What is the Champions League?

The brainchild of UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, the Champions League effectively replaced the old European Cup. The Champions League brings together the best football clubs within each European league in a pan-European league.

What is the Champions League structure?

1. National leagues contribute up to four teams each, making up the 22 seeded clubs.
2. An additional 10 teams result from the qualifying and play-off rounds to join the seeded clubs.
3. The main post-qualifying round of the Champions League starts in mid-September each year.
4. Eight groups of four then play in a round-robin.
5. The top two winning teams from each group go through to the 'last 16', the knockout phase which culminates in the final, usually held on the last Sunday in May, which in 2012 will be at Bayern Munich's ground.

Which team is going to win?

In financial terms, they all will - there's so much interest in the Champions League that it's a massive money spinner. But money aside, statistically they all stand a great chance of winning:

1. No side has successfully defended the title since 1990.
2. Real Madrid have won the most times - nine times.
3. La Liga teams have won the most finals, whilst Italian sides have appeared most often in finals.
4. England has the highest number of winning clubs.
5. Barcelona will be defending their title this season, with last year's losing finalists Manchester United keen to make amends.

Top 5 football stadiums in Europe

1. Biggest - Barcelona FC's Nou Camp stadium holds nearly 100,000 loyal fans. It's also located in one of Europe's most vibrant cities - which you can read more about in my Road Trip Through North Spain blog.
2. Most romantic - Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, both could snatch the title this year. Milan offers fine coffee, finer clothes and a great cosmopolitan atmosphere.
3. Best for a long weekend break - Head to St Petersburg to see Zenit St Petersburg and you've some of Europe's most stunning architecture to admire. There's culture galore and a warm Russian welcome.
4. Best for a wine weekend - Porto may be famous for wine, and football more associated with beer, but it's a great place for a weekend trip to see Porto FC. Stunning views along the river and superb wines make for an ideal weekend atmosphere.
5. Best for the Mediterranean - Head to Marseille for a flavour of Algerian food in France, a stunning harbour and views of the Med.

If you can't get hold of tickets to the game (and let's be honest, it's not easy) then it's no loss - you've got yourself a ready-made reason for a sports night in!