You know the business model by now. You've grown accustomed to it, always ready for its unique brand of football-meets-commerce-meets-entertainment. It's existed for almost two decades since its inception at the beginning of the century; on and off in its execution, yes, but always there in concept: stars, tournament sensations, Galacticos, Galacticos managing Galacticos, fanfare, colossal spending.
It's a method that has transported Real Madrid into their own world for much of president Florentino Perez's reign. At times it's been compelling; at others, tiresome.
But throughout, the knock on the club has never wavered: Real Madrid don't plan.