Shocking! Barcelona set to earn just 2% more than Real Madrid in La Liga prize money despite winning title & beating their bitter rivals FOUR TIMES this season

Despite clinching the Liga title, Barcelona are set to earn just two per cent more than arch-rivals Real Madrid in this season's prize money distribution - a surprisingly narrow margin considering their superior league finish and overall domination over Los Blancos throughout the season.

La Liga will distribute a massive €1.3 billion in TV revenue, according to Tribuna. Half of the funds are split equally among all 20 clubs, while 25% is allocated based on club popularity and commercial impact. The final 25% depends on league position and, thanks to this formula, both Barcelona and Real Madrid will continue to dominate the earnings. with only a slight financial edge going to the champions. The Catalans will take home 17% of TV revenue at €57.84m, while Real Madrid will claim 15% at €51.03m.

Last season in the Premier League, Manchester City were paid £175.9m for finishing in first place, while Arsenal, who claimed second spot, were given £175.5m, largely thanks to them having the most televised games. That is significantly more than both Barca and Madrid, with England's top-flight league still leading the way in terms of commercial value and appeal to broadcasters.

The two sides will play their final games of the season this weekend. The Catalans travel away to San Mames to take on Champions League-bound Athletic Club, while Madrid will welcome Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu. Then, the 15-time European champions will fly to the United States to participate in the revamped Club World Cup, which begins in June.