Team running performance while scoring and conceding goals in the UEFA Champions League: analysis of five-minute intervals

TL;DR

This study examines how team running performance in five-minute intervals affects scoring and conceding goals in the UEFA Champions League.

Contribution

The study identifies specific intervals where running performance significantly impacts goal outcomes in elite football matches.

Findings

Teams showed significant differences in total distance covered in three out of 20 intervals when scoring goals.

High-intensity running varied significantly in four out of 20 intervals when scoring goals.

Conceding goals correlated with reduced running performance in eight out of 20 intervals.

Abstract

Performance analysis can provide coaches with a range of relevant information and support more informed decision-making. The objective of this research was to determine running performance (RP) within five-minute intervals when scoring and conceding goals in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). Matches from the UCL 2020/2021 season were analyzed, and relevant data were retrieved using the InStat Fitness semi-automatic video system. Statistical analysis employed one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for comparisons and partial eta squared (η2) to determine effect size. Team performance was determined by measuring total distance covered (TD) and high-intensity running (HIR) when the team scored a goal, conceded a goal, and when the score did not change. Our primary results indicated significant differences in three out of 20 five-minute intervals for the TD parameter and four out of 20 for HIR when teams scored goals. There were also significant differences in eight out of 20 intervals for TD and three out of 20 for HIR when teams conceded goals. In conclusion, significant goal concessions were observed during all the five-minute intervals in which teams substantially reduced their RP. From a practical point of view, coaches should be aware, especially in the context of the pacing strategy used, that team RP affects the scoreline directly and the match outcome indirectly.