Real Madrid top soccer's rich list as MU drop out of top three

Despite seeing a rise in revenue to $574 million, for the first time in 17 years they can no longer count themselves among the top three richest football clubs in the world.For an organization that once spent eight years on top of the annual money table -- compiled by business advisory firm Deloitte -- it represents a financial blow for one of soccer's most decorated clubs.Spanish giants Real Madrid came top for a record ninth consecutive year -- despite winning no silverware last season -- with a total revenue of $702 million, $47 million ahead of domestic rivals Barcelona in second.Combined revenue for the top 20 clubs -- of all whom play in Europe -- was up 8% to $7.3 billion.German champions Bayern Munich, who also won the European Champions League, have usurped Manchester United, who have also seen their share price plummet since long-standing manager Alex Ferguson left at the end of last season.The Scot delivered an unprecedented 13 English Premier League titles and two European Champions League crowns during his near 27-year reign, but under new manager David Moyes the team has struggled.They currently sit seventh in the table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, and were knocked out of the FA Cup -- England's premier cup competition -- by Swansea and the League Cup by Sunderland.They have qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League though, facing Greek side Olympiakos in the last 16.Their performances have seen confidence on the stock market evaporate, the club's share price having fallen 16% since Moyes took over, wiping an estimated $500 million off their value.But with a raft of commercial deals having been secured in recent seasons -- the club even having official partners in the noodle and paint sectors -- Deloitte's Austin Houlihan says the club can bounce back next year."Whilst Manchester United drop one place in the Money League, a number of the club's recent commercial deals will boost revenue in 2013/14, so this fall to fourth place may only be temporary," he said."These deals, combined with the impact of the improved three year Premier League broadcast deals from 2013/14, mean they are likely to get close to the €500 million ($677 million) revenue mark in next year's Money League."Beyond 2013/14, consistent qualification for the Champions League is key in United challenging to regain top spot in the Money League, a position it last held in 2003/04."In contrast to Manchester United, the financial juggernaut that is Real Madrid shows no signs of slowing.They have consistently been beaten to the Spanish league title by Barcelona in recent years and are without a Champions League triumph for over a decade, but Real have topped the rich list for a record ninth consecutive year.Their revenue was up $8.5 million on last year, underpinned by a 4% rise in commercial revenue to $286.7 million, and 3% in broadcast revenue to $255.1 million.Dan Jones from Deloitte said: "Despite tough economic conditions, particularly within Spain, the club's ability to generate substantial commercial revenue both domestically and internationally is central to their success."This helped widen the gap to their nearest rivals in the Money League, FC Barcelona, to $48.7 million."Both Spanish clubs enjoy substantial revenue from individually negotiated broadcast deals, which is key in contributing to their overall revenue advantage over their European peers."Bayern's place in the top three reflects their all-conquering performance on the pitch. The Bavarians won five trophies in 2013, adding the UEFA Supercup and the FIFA Club World Cup to their two domestic trophies, and their Champions League triumph in 12 years.Helped by a record Bundesliga broadcast deal, Bayern recorded a 17% growth in revenue to hit $585 million.(CNN)ANN.Az