Cristiano Ronaldo moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid, a move that could
thrust Madrid to the forefront of the Champions League. (Creative Commons Licensed)

If you love soccer, the fall is prime viewing time. The Group stages of the UEFA Champions League began last week. The best 32 club teams from various European countries will be vying for the title that Spain's FC Barcelona captured last year.

It's a tournament in which teams mostly from England and Spain have challenged for the title in recent years, but this year's Champions League could prove to be a little more competitive than in the past. German teams Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg could challenge the top teams and might even play spoiler by knocking one of the big clubs out of the tournament.

With teams playing such different styles and systems and coming from varying leagues, it might be intimidating for Champions League newbies to follow, but if you keep an eye out for these things, you might be able to chime-in on a conversation or two.  For those familiar with the tournament, these are the headlines you will want to continue to follow throughout.

Teams to Watch

    â€¢    FC Barcelona - The defending champions will have a tougher road this year, with its main rival Real Madrid having made some strong offseason moves. Barcelona also just barely got by Chelsea last year, and will be facing a Blues team that is returning almost its entire starting lineup.
    â€¢    Real Madrid - Madrid made waves in the offseason for its spending spree on coveted stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka' and Karim Benzema. Now the Spanish powerhouse must prove the money it spent will yield results.
    â€¢    Chelsea - Carlo Ancelotti is taking the reins of a team that competed well last year and remained consistent in the offseason. Chelsea came within two minutes of heading to final last year and will be looking to reap a little revenge.

Sleeper Picks

    â€¢    Sevilla - The Rojiblancos drew the relatively easy Group G and will most likely only see competition from Scotland's Rangers.
    â€¢    Bayern Munich - Bayern, like Sevilla, avoided drawing the big name teams and should be able to coast into the knockout round.

Players to Watch

    â€¢    Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona) - These two players swapped teams in the summer and will be looking to make their marks on their respective teams.
    â€¢    Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) - If your team spent over $300 million on you and your two new teammates, wouldn't you hope to prove your worth?
    â€¢    Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan) - Milan signed the big American defender in the summer.  As one of the few U.S. players to ever suit up for an Italian team (and one of a handful playing in Champions League), he'll be representing the Yanks.
    â€¢    Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) - Ribery has been the subject of many transfer rumors and if he plays well in the tournament, he will be able to take his pick of offers.

Whether you're a Champions League neophyte or a grizzled veteran, get yourself to the nearest pub and follow your team. Champions League wraps on May 22, and with the final being in Madrid this year, Real Madrid is a tempting pick for the title. Though Los Merengues are still adjusting to some new faces, the schedule will benefit them -- they will have time to work out the kinks during league play and be ready in time for their Champions League matches. Look for Ronaldo and company to raise the trophy come May.