While it may be fun to be reminded of Aston Villa's second-leg victory over PSG from the Champions League quarter-final matchup while the Ligue 1 side dismantles Real Madrid, the effect and consequence of the FIFA Club World Cup cannot be forgotten.
At the moment, the sport is increasingly becoming even more so about the haves and the have-nots. For anyone doubting this reality, look at the rate at which promoted Championship teams face immediate relegation after only a year in the Premier League. The gap continues to widen across all levels of competition.
Sitting at the top is the 'big six.' While looking at the Club World Cup, only a select few are capable of receiving an invite to the tournament. In theory anyone in the EPL is eligible to participate. The known advantage of those in the 'big six,' however, makes it unrealistic for anyone else to have a slot that is used from a Prem side.
Going to this tourney itself is not the problem. It may end up costing Manchester City in particular through more tired legs by the time April and May come around.
The point of contention becomes the fact that finances now play such a large part in a club's operations. Being able to find a path for significant revenue through a competition that no one was truly excited about from the EPL teams only now adds to the divide that continues to grow.
Leaving Aston Villa further disadvantaged
For the sides from other continents, the tournament has been an excellent showcase and chance to test themselves against the Real Madrids and Bayern Munichs of the world. Even in some of those instances, the implementation and logistics of some of the smaller brands have proven difficult, only further highlighting the different worlds that clubs live in.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is set to receive around £80m just for making it to the final against PSG. Imagine how much that would have benefited Villa, Newcastle, or Nottingham. Especially in the race against PSR and SCR, being able to have true access to this multi-million-pound stream would have been of great help for those who just so happen to find themselves out of the 'big six.'