HELSINKI, Finland -- As Real Madrid begin their quest to win six trophies in a single season, it's remarkable how serene and untroubled their panorama is compared to the turbulence facing almost every domestic and European rival. Their daunting challenge begins with the UEFA Supercup here in Helsinki, against Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt, takes flight with the first LaLiga game (at newly-promoted Almeria this weekend) and marches onward through the Champions League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercopa and the FIFA World Club Championship, the journey finally ending next June.
Oh, and there's the "small" matter of a World Cup for most of Los Blancos' players neatly tucked in during November and December.