Kylian Mbappe's second-leg hat-trick humbled Manchester City as they exited the Champions League on Wednesday - and the result means major relief for Real Madrid, who had a substantial £19million problem looming over their heads.
Their victory over Manchester City not only brings them one step closer to the coveted Champions League title, but also brings financial respite to the Spanish giants. With the Champions Leaguebeing one of the most prestigious and lucrative club competitions in the world, the money that comes with participating and progressing through its stages is substantial.
Manchester City, known for their high spending on top talent, were unfortunately eliminated from the Champions League, meaning that the pressure on their coffers to maintain their stature and ability to compete with the likes of Real Madrid has been alleviated. This is particularly significant in the context of Financial Fair Play (FFP), regulations put in place by UEFA to prevent clubs from spending more than they earn.
In simpler terms, Manchester City can now focus on their next season without incurring additional costs related to Champions League participation, which includes substantial bonuses and incentives for the players. Their elimination also means that they won't have the added pressure of juggling Champions League matches with domestic fixtures, which can prove to be a logistical nightmare.
For Real Madrid, this victory means that they get to progress to the next round, but it also has significant implications on their financials. By progressing further into the tournament, they stand to earn more from matchday revenue, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships, all of which contribute to a substantial increase in their revenue. However, had they been knocked out, they would have had to bear the full brunt of the £19million problem that comes with missing out on Champions League money.
The same logic can be applied to their transfer dealings. With the money that comes with Champions League participation, Real Madrid can justify spending large sums of money on acquiring and retaining top talent. Their ability to attract and keep the likes of Kylian Mbappe, who was instrumental in their victory over Manchester City with a second-leg hat-trick, is a major financial consideration.
Thus, the result is a major relief for Real Madrid, as they get to solve their £19million problem and maintain their status as one of the biggest clubs in the world, both financially and competitively. In the ever-changing landscape of football, the fine balance between on-field success and off-field financial stability is often the difference between the top clubs and those that struggle to keep up.