How important is it to score a goal? The influence of the scoreline on match performance in elite soccer

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the eff ects of three diff erent scorelines (1 Goal Up, Level Score, 1 Goal Down) on match performance indicators in elite soccer. Ball possession decreased when teams were 1 goal up. High Range Budget Clubs (HRBC) and Upper-Mid Range Budget Clubs (UMRBC) dominated possession against their opponents whether winning, losing, or drawing. Lower- Mid Range Budget Clubs (LMRBC) and Low Range Budget Clubs (LRBC) had less possession than HRBC. The probability of reaching the fi nal one-third of the pitch decreased when teams were 1 goal up. LMRBC and LRBC had less match fi nal third entries than HRBC. Similarly, shots on goal decreased when teams were 1 goal up. These fi ndings could be used by coaches and match analysts when they evaluate performance and develop training drills.