Do the Competitions Played During Congested Weeks Influence the External Load of Spanish Soccer Teams? Analysis by Match Playing Time

TL;DR

This study shows that the type of soccer competition and how much players play affects their physical workload during matches, especially during busy weeks.

Contribution

The study introduces a detailed analysis of external load differences based on competition type and individual playing time during congested weeks in professional soccer.

Findings

Players in non-congested weeks covered less very low-speed and low-speed running compared to congested weeks.

League congested weeks resulted in higher total distance than Champions League and non-congested weeks.

Non-Starters in Cup congested weeks showed higher very high-speed running than Champions League and non-congested weeks.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine differences in external load among professional soccer players during congested weeks across different competition types (League, Cup, and Champions League (UCL)), considering individual match playing time. A retrospective, descriptive, and longitudinal analysis was conducted using external load data from 120 players belonging to the top five teams in the Spanish LaLiga during the 2023/24 season, including 2,671 match observations. Players were categorised by playing time (Starters, Replaced, Fringe, and Non-Starters), and weeks were classified as non-congested (NCON) or congested (CON), with further distinction by competition type. External load metrics were recorded using the Mediacoach® tracking system and analysed through Linear Mixed Models.

Results indicated that players in NCON weeks covered significantly less distance at very low-speed running (VLSR) and at low-speed running (LSR) compared to CON weeks (both p < .01). Players in CON weeks by League covered significantly higher total distance (TD) compared to UCL congested weeks (p < .001) and NCON weeks (p < .01). In CON weeks by Cup, Non-Starters, who accumulated between 0 and 59 min across two matches, covered significantly higher very high-speed running (VHSR) than CON weeks by UCL (p < .05) and NCON weeks (p < .05).

These findings underscore the relevance of competition context and match playing time when analysing external load during matches. Tailoring training and rotation strategies based on external load data and competition type may help maintain performance and reduce fatigue.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-026-01008-x.

Participation or non-participation in a midweek competition results in variations in the external load recorded during the subsequent weekend match.The external load observed in the weekend match is affected by the type of competition played in the middle of the week.Managing players’ playing time helps optimise their performance in the following match.Implementing optimal recovery strategies for players is essential when matches are scheduled within short time intervals.

Participation or non-participation in a midweek competition results in variations in the external load recorded during the subsequent weekend match.

The external load observed in the weekend match is affected by the type of competition played in the middle of the week.

Managing players’ playing time helps optimise their performance in the following match.

Implementing optimal recovery strategies for players is essential when matches are scheduled within short time intervals.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-026-01008-x.

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