The summer break between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons was unlike any other. While the soccer world usually has to deal with long months without action in summer, this one has been completely different with Copa America, Euro 2020, and Gold Cup before the club competition in Europe's top five leagues resumed.
The international tournaments are already part of the past now, and the Old Continent's major competitions are about to get underway. As always, there's plenty of excitement ahead of the upcoming season, when a new chapter of the beautiful game will begin.
The Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 always hog the spotlight when it comes to European soccer, and fans are already looking forward to the beginning of each tournament. Here, check out when the 2021/22 season of these leagues will kick off.
Bundesliga
The German top-flight will once again see Bayern Munich as the reigning champions in their quest for a record tenth league title in a row. The Bundesliga kings will kick off the 2021/22 season on Friday, August 13, at 2:30 PM (ET) against Borussia Monchengladbach at Borussia Park. Dortmund will host Eintracht Frankfurt the following day at 12:30 PM (ET) at Signal Iduna Park.
Ligue 1
The French first division has brought an unexpected result last season with PSG losing their crown at the hands of Lille. The 2021/22 season of Ligue 1 will begin on Friday, August 6, when AS Monaco take on Nantes at 3 PM (ET). Paris Saint-Germain will begin their campaign on Saturday, August 7, when they visit Troyes at 3 PM (ET), and titleholders Lille will face Metz the following day at 11 AM (ET).
Serie A
Last season was a very special one for the Italian top-flight as Juventus' nine-year reign came to an end with Inter Milan claiming their first league title in a decade. The defending champions will kick off the 2021/22 season against Genoa on Saturday, August 21, at 12:30 PM (ET). Juventus will take on Udinese one day later, and AC Milan will wrap up Matchday 1 visiting Sampdoria on Monday, August 23, at 2:45 PM (ET).
La Liga
Following a thrilling season finale a few months ago, Atletico Madrid will head into the new campaign looking to retain their crown while Barcelona and Real Madrid will try to get back to local glory. La Liga 2021/22 season will begin on Friday, August 13, when Valencia host Getafe at 3 PM (ET). The following day, Real Madrid will visit Alavés at 4 PM (ET). On Sunday, Atletico will play at Celta de Vigo's home at 11:30 AM (ET), and Barcelona will host Real Sociedad at 2 PM (ET).
Premier League
All the eyes will be in the English top-flight and its exciting new season. Newly-promoted Brentford will host Arsenal to kick off the 2021/22 Premier League season on Friday, August 13, at 3 PM (ET). Matchday 1 will be full of mouth-watering games, but Tottenham and Manchester City will hog the spotlight in the final game of the weekend on Sunday, August 15, at 11:30 AM (ET).
