Real Madrid will break the record for the most matches played by a European club in a single season when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (July 5). Liverpool (1983-84) and Chelsea (2012-13) currently hold the record with 67 games each, but Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, will match that with Saturday’s game, having already equalled their club record of 66 matches from 2001-02.
If they reach the semi-finals and final, Los Blancos will extend the record to 69 games – an unprecedented feat in European football, according to Marca.
Financially, Real Madrid is reaping significant rewards. They earned €12.1 million after defeating Juventus in the round of 16, bringing their total Club World Cup earnings this year to €55.2 million. Of this, €31.4 million came from participation and €23.8 million from prize money en route to the quarter-finals.
Progressing to the semi-finals would add €19.4 million more, while reaching the final guarantees €27.7 million if they lose or €37 million if they win – meaning Real Madrid will play for up to €56.4 million in prize money over the next three games.
