Real Madrid is selling fewer replica jerseys than Chelsea or Liverpool, and attendances at its home stadium the Santiago Bernabeu have fallen 7.8 per cent on last season.
And last night's Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon means it loses the chance to win up to $82 million in prize money, sponsorships and other revenue, according to Simon Chadwick, professor of sports business strategy and marketing at CoventryUniversityBusinessSchool in England.
“Many people would have legitimate concerns the club will be unable to generate an acceptable return on their player- investment strategy,” Chadwick said, as reported by Bloomberg. It “would seriously undermine Real Madrid’s business model.”
According to SportBusiness, Real Madrid generated more revenue than any other European club in 2007-08, the latest season for which figures are available.
However the falling attendance figures show it is not immune to the effects of recession. Amid a 19.5 percent unemployment rate in Spain, during the country's worst recession in 60 years, average attendances at the Bernabeu have fallen to 67,461 this season, from 73,157 last season. Adidas said that the lower jersey sales at Real than at Chelsea and Liverpool are partly because there is a bigger culture of replica-jersey purchases among English fans than their Spanish counterparts
Real Madrid and Milan will star in the most interesting Champions League game this week. The Whites had their final session this morning and Milan trained at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium at 19:00.
Real Madrid's morning session was followed by a press conference given by coach Manuel Pellegrini and Kaka.
Pellegrini selected 18 of his men for the match. They will meet at the stadium at 20:30 and will then set their team camp at Mirasierra Suites Hotel.
Milan are currently third in Group C behind the Whites and Zurich. The Italian team landed in Madrid at 12:10. The squad and coaching staff are staying at Villa Magna Hotel.
Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo's injured right ankle will keep him out for three or four weeks, Spanish media said Monday.
"Madrid upset; they think Portugal should not have pushed the player," to turn out for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Hungary, headlined Marca.
"Four weeks out", the daily noted, listing all the matches the world's most expensive player will miss, including Champions league ties against AC Milan on October 21 and November 3.
"It was reckless of him to play," Marca quoted a Real Madrid source as saying. "Understandable recklessness, but reckless."
Ronaldo had shaken off a twist to the same ankle to start Saturday's Group One clash, but lasted just 27 minutes of the 3-0 victory in Lisbon.
Real Madrid lie second in the league after six games, three points behind champions Barcelona.
Ronaldo, Real's leading league scorer with five, missed their 2-1 defeat away to Sevilla on October 4 because of the ankle problem he picked up the previous week against Marseille in the Champions league.
"La Liga" is going to start. And all new signings are included in Real Madrid squad list who will play against Deportivo La Coruña.
On the other hand, Sergio Ramos misses the game due to an injury, Pepe is suspended, and Van Nistelrooy and Diarra are going through the last stages of their recovery plan.
Starting line-ups:
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas; Arbeloa, Albiol, Metzelder, Marcelo; 'Lass, Xabi Alonso; Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl, Kaká; y Benzema.
Deportivo: Aranzubia; Laure, Lopo, Zé Castro, Filipe; Juca, Juan Rodríguez; Pablo Álvarez, Valerón, Guardado; y Riki.
Referee: Fernández Borbalán. Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu.
Fit: the two players are the main novelties in the squad list for match against Rosenborg.
Mahamadou Diarra and Rudd Van Nistelrooy have recovered from their respective injuries and were included in the squad list for Monday's game against Rosenborg. Metzelder, Torres and Sergio Ramos aren't yet fit to play, while Adan, Sneijder and Van der Vaart were left off due to a coaching decision.
One of Germany's greatest clubs: Signal Iduna Park will be the venue for a very special evening as Borussia Dortmund celebrate their centenary with a clash against Real Madrid (Wednesday, 20.15 CET). The last time they met, during the 2002/03 season, the encounter ended with a 1-1 draw.
BV Borussia Dortmund, founded on 19 December 1909, is one of Germany’s historical clubs and became the last champions prior to the formation of the Bundesliga in 1963. Their honours include six league titles, two German cups, one Champions League, one Intercontinental Cup and one Cup Winner’s Cup.
Despite finishing in sixth place of the table and not qualifying for European competitions last season, Borussia Dortmund are sure to return to Germany’s top spots of the table after overcoming financial problems and counting with Europe’s best attendance average.
They played ten games during their preseason and remained undefeated tallying five victories and five draws. Rivals included important teams such as Valencia, Udinese and Basel. They have knocked out SPVGG, a fourth division team, in the second round of the DSF Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s men have started the Bundesliga with a 1-0 victory over FC Koln and a painful 4-1 defeat against Hamburg.
Borussia Dortmund likes to play an offensive 4-4-2 diamond formation. Their most common line-up consists of keeper Weidenfeller; defenders Owomoyela, Subotic, Santana and Schemelzer; Tinga, Kuba, Sahin and Hajnal as midfielders; and Valdez and Barrios up front.
With a preseason stage in Ireland and the Peace Cup now behind them, Real Madrid will continue preparing for the 2009/10 season with a trip to North America.
The Whites are scheduled to arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport on 6 August at about noon local time. Later that afternoon the match between Toronto FC and Real Madrid will be presented, a press conference will be held and the team will hold a light workout after 19:00. Kick-off at BMO Field is scheduled for 7 August at 19:30, after which the team will rest up for its next match.
Real Madrid are expected to arrive in Washington DC at 13:15, followed by lunch, the presentation of the DC United-Real Madrid match, a press conference and training session at FedEx Field. The players will have the morning of 9 August off until leaving to the stadium at 13:00. The friendly is scheduled for 15:00, after which the team will head directly to the airport to catch its flight back to Madrid.
Once back on Spanish soil, the team will continue preparations for several other friendlies: on 15 August against Real Sociedad, 19 August against Borussia Dortmund and the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy against AC Milan on 25 August.
All of Real Madrid's stars will be presented before their fans in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy match between Real Madrid and Milan, to be held either on 24 or 25 August.
Tickets will be priced starting as low as 3 euros for Club Members and 6 euros (only 6 euros !!!) for the general public. European Season Ticket Holders will be able to see the game for free at the stadium presenting their season ticket.
Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa passed his medical with Real Madrid on Wednesday and is set to sign a five-year contract and complete his move from Liverpool.
"The results of every test are very satisfactory," Dr. Carlos Diez said. "He is delighted about playing for Real Madrid. It's always been his dream. He can't wait to join his teammates."
The 26-year-old Arbeloa's transfer will cost Madrid 3.5 million pounds ($5.7 million) as he becomes the club's seventh offseason signing, after Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Negredo and Esteban Granero.
Arbeloa, who was part of the Spain squad that won the 2008 European championship, was with Madrid as a youngster before moving to Deportivo La Coruna in 2006 and then onto Liverpool six months later.
The right back was in the final year of his Liverpool contract, having moved to Anfield for 2.6 million pounds in January 2007. He played 99 games for the English club and scored two goals.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has already spent 17.5 million pounds on England right back Glen Johnson, who is expected to take Arbeloa's place in the side.
Liverpool also has Swiss international Philipp Degen back after rib and lung injuries. Jamie Carragher has also filled in effectively at right back.
Cristiano Ronaldo produced only glimpses of his talent during his home debut for Real Madrid in a 1-1 draw with Al Ittihad on Sunday.
Ronaldo was substituted by Gonzalo Higuain in the 66th minute, immediately after Hicham Aboucherouane equalized for the Saudi Arabian champions in the Peace Cup. Raul Gonzalez gave Madrid the lead at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the 55th minute.
Madrid's new No. 9 came closest to his first Madrid goal just before halftime, when his shot was tipped around the post by goalkeeper Mabrouk Zaid after a swift exchange of passes with Karim Benzema.
The Portugal winger is the world's most expensive player after his $133.7 million transfer from Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo had every right to push through his world record £80million move to Real Madrid, according to his former team-mate Rio Ferdinand.
Although the Reds star was sad to see Ronaldo leave Manchester United, he said the World and European Player of the Year had earned the right to follow his dream.
"I don't think any of the lads are bitter or should be bitter towards Ronnie," said Ferdinand.
"You have to look at it this way - he came here as a young lad and gave six years of his career to this club.
Bearing in mind careers average out between 10-12 years, he's given half his career to United, and I think you have to respect that.
"You can't put a shadow over someone's dream. Since he was a kid he's wanted to play for Real Madrid.
"Playing for United is the holy grail for some people and it's those people who probably don't understand why he wants to go somewhere else that - for him - equals that holy grail.
"He'll always have a great affinity with the players here and I'm sure in the longterm the fans will see he was a great servant to the club."
It won't be easy for the Whites to defeat their Peace Cup opponents; Al-Ittihad and Liga Universitaria Quito are in excellent form.
The goal is to reach the 2 August final in Seville. Liga Universitaria Quito have recently won the South American Cup Winners' Cup by defeating Internacional Portoalegre 3-0. The Ecuatorian side is currently playing the second leg of its country's league and are second on the table. Quito won the Copa Libertadores in 2008 after defeating Brazilian side Fluminense in the penalty shootout. They recently drew 2-2 against Cuenca in their league and they are currently training in Madrid.
Al-Ittihad have dominated the Saudi league throughout the season, winning the title as well as the Saudi Cup. The team also has two Asian Champions League titles on its shelves and great players on its ranks, such as the Italian Roberto Donadoni, who retired there. They are interested in signing former Madridista Luis Figo for the coming campaign. Al-Ittihad will be Real Madrid's first opponent at the Bernabeu in the Peace Cup (26 July).
Esteban Granero rejoined Real Madrid as excited as when he first suited up in white at the age of eight. The newest member of the Madridista squad commented on his return home during today’s press conference.
Welcome to Real Madrid. What does this return mean to you? Thank you. You know that I spent many years in the academy, but being a member of the first team is a dream come true. I think it is also the first step in fulfilling other dreams, like winning many titles. I now have the chance to fight for a spot as a starter and I will do whatever it takes.
You finally returned when it looked like you might stay at Getafe. Did you ever lose hope of coming back? No. I think every summer is different. There were some doubts this summer, but luckily I made it back. The club’s top brass and the team’s coaching staff have faith in me, and for that I am grateful. I am now in a good position and it’s up to me to earn a spot. I am very grateful for the confidence placed in me.
What other things do you dream about? Suiting up in the first team dressing room is the right path to be on, but I will not settle with just that. I am an ambitious person and I will fight for a spot and learn a lot. This year’s goal is to win many titles because that is what Real Madrid deserves.
Were you assured that you will continue here? I will continue playing here.
Have you spoken to Pellegrini about your chances of playing? We did get to speak and he told me he has faith in me. He said that I was a member of the team and that I will have the same opportunities as the rest. I am not asking for matches, but just the opportunity to earn a spot. It doesn’t depend on me. I am where I am because the coaching staff has faith in me.
Have you spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo? We greeted one another. He is a pleasant person and there will be plenty of time to get to know one another.
How do you feel being able to work by his side? It makes me proud and I know I can learn a lot from him. He is one of the best players in the world, if not the best, so having the chance to assist him as a midfielder is incredible.
What do you think the team can win this season? I don’t think we can settle for nothing. We cannot give up on anything, and everything is possible with players like Cristiano Ronaldo and the many others who have arrived.
Do you feel any pressure after hearing Valdano say that the door is closed to future signings but that you were the exception? I don’t feel any pressure. I do feel very responsible. Being a member of this squad is complicated and it has to be earned. I am proud to wear the Real Madrid shirt, both in matches and during training.
Why is it that you turned down money to play for Real Madrid? I accepted the offer before it was ever laid on the table. It may sound like demagoguery to say that the money doesn’t matter, but I think there are more important things. Money took a back seat in my case. .
Abidal advised Ribery to sign for Barrcelona. What advice would you give him? I recommend that he signs for Real Madrid because we are a competitive team and he can learn a lot here. Every football has Real Madrid at the top of his list.
Did you recommend that Parejo sign for Getafe? My two years at Getafe were great. I was treated very well and played a lot of matches in both La Liga and in Europe. I learned a lot from my teammates and coaches. Sometimes you have to take the long way around to get to Real Madrid, and spending time with Getafe served me well.
Do you prefer a huge presentation or something more intimate? I was presented yesterday afternoon and I was anxious to train and to meet my teammates. There is plenty of time to play at the stadium.
What did you learn at Getafe? A lot. I gained a lot of experience. I played a lot of matches in Primera Division and Europe. I played in several positions, both in the midfield and along the flanks, and I think that versatility will help me.
Do you think the arrival of Xabi Alonso would hurt your chances of playing? I don’t think so. It is not one of my concerns. I would love for Real Madrid to have the best players to be able to share a dressing room with and to compete against for a spot in the starting eleven.
Does joining Real Madrid hamper your progress because of all the players who are being signed? On the contrary. It is a step forward. Playing will be a little trickier, but it will make the challenge that much more interesting and I decided to take that step in my career. I don’t think it will hamper anything, but rather that it is a step forward.
Gonzalo Higuain discussed the challenges that lie ahead in statements made to newspaper El Pais.
"The coach gives me the freedom to play wherever I want in attack, which serves me well because I feel very comfortable."
"I love challenges. We are all starting off from scratch. Whoever is in best form will play, and this will be good for the team."
Most valued placer: Higuain wins the Realmadrid.com poll
Real Madrid fans cast their vote and decided Gonzalo Higuain was the team's best player last season. The Argentine won the poll with 34.68% of the votes.
The Argentine striker played in 44 games last season and scored 24 goals. At just 21 years of age, he stands out for his drive and speed.
Iker Casillas came in second in the poll with just over 24% of the votes. Robben (14.22%), Raul (11.12%), Lass (6.02%), Ramos (5.37%), Pepe (2.17%) and Marcelo (2.14%) complete the ranking.
