English clubs defy the economic recession to retain elite status in European money league

Premier League clubs occupied seven of the top 20 places in the league, though the first two spots were filled by Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Madrid generated £359.1 million despite a relatively disappointing season domestically and in Europe, while Barcelona had an income of £325.9 million.

Manchester United were the highest-ranked British club with £286.4 million, followed by Arsenal (fifth, £224.4 million), Chelsea (sixth, £209.5 million), Liverpool (eighth, £184.5 million), Manchester City (11th, £125.1 million), Tottenham (12th, £119.8 million) and Aston Villa (20th, £89.6 million).

City produced the biggest increase in revenue of any European club, up £38 million on the previous year, though it failed to keep up with players’ wages, which were 107 per cent of turnover.

While the revenue figures across Europe were striking - the top 20 clubs generated £3.5 billion between them, up eight per cent on 2008-09 - they painted only a partial picture.