Bolstered by an unequal distribution TV rights distribution scheme, the club’s broadcasting revenue of $214.8m was underpinned by a broadcast rights contract with Mediapro. This contract, along with certain others, guarantees the club more than $1.48bn in broadcasting revenue up to the 2013/2014 season, higher than the total revenue of half the Money League clubs.

Commercial revenue rose by eight percent, or $15.7m in the last year, generating $204.15m. A partnership with Saudi telecom firm, STC, is expected to generate significant amounts of income for the nine time European champions, while the club’s shirt front deal with Bwin, a betting company, reportedly generates between $20m to $27m per season.

Match-day revenues grew by a remarkable $37.5m to $174.7m in 2010, driven by the hosting of the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabéu, which attracted a crowd of 75,000. Increased attendances, memberships and prices also drove revenue up. In addition, the club has redeveloped certain areas of its stadium to grow its corporate hospitality revenue.

As UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules take effect within the next few years, Madrid’s revenue prowess should be reflected onto on-pitch success, but in the short term, the Galacticos signed need to start turning in the performances their huge signing fees warrant in order for the Madrid based club to maximise its revenues and stave off the challenge from FC Barcelona.