The mighty Galacticos were utterly outmatched by Premier League powerhouses Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal clash, going down 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
The devastating defeat sealed a crushing 5-1 aggregate loss for the 14-time European Cup winners, abruptly ending their bid for an unprecedented 15th continental crown.
Despite their ignominious exit from Europe’s premier club competition, Los Blancos have pocketed a king’s ransom of €118 million in revenue from their Champions League run this season, according to Swiss football finance expert Swiss Ramble.
Only their vanquishers Manchester City, who have amassed €127 million, earned more from the tournament. The figures likely incorporate gate receipts, broadcast rights and sponsorship.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain came in third and fourth, raking in €107 million and €104 million respectively, while finalists Inter Milan rounded out the top five with €100 million.
Arch-nemeses Barcelona languished in 12th place with a paltry €69 million following their shock group stage elimination.
Reports in Spanish daily Diario SPORT indicate Real could have earned an additional €15.5 million had they reached the final, and €4.5 million more had they lifted Ol’ Big Ears for a record-extending 15th time.
Their loss in the semis thus cost them around €20 million in potential prize money that could have aided their galaxy of superstars in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid Nets €118 Million in Champions League Revenue
The actual figure may well have been higher when factoring in the additional matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenue.
The crushing loss deliver a devastating blow to Real in a season where they never truly got going.
Now Carlo Ancelotti and his players will be hoping for a better 2023-24 season to pick up the pieces of a campaign that promised so much yet delivered so little.
