Influence of match location, competitive level and match outcome on running performance in professional soccer players

Abstract

Introduction: The context of soccer matches (e.g., match location, competitive level, match outcome) can impact the players’ physical performance. Aim: To investigate the effects of the match location, competitive level and match outcome on match running performance in professional Brazilian players. Methods: The performance data were monitored in 16 male soccer players of the same team during the following championships: 1st Division of the Capixaba Championship 2020 (n = 8 matches; n = 64 individual observations) and 1^st and 2^nd Phases of the Brazil Cup 2020 (n = 2 matches; n = 16 individual observations). The match running performance was calculated using Global Positioning System: 1) total distance covered; 2) total distance covered in high-intensity; 3) total distance covered in high-acceleration. The t-test for independent measurements was used to compare the home vs away, national vs. state, and win vs. loss matches. The magnitude of the effects (ES) was calculated using Cohen's "d". Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the relative contribution of independent variables to the variation of dependent variables. Results: The matches played at “home” resulted in greater physical demands compared to “away” (p < 0,001-0,01, ES = moderate-very large). Matches at the national level required greater running demands than matches at the state level (p < 0,001, ES = very large). Winning matches were more physically demanding compared to losing matches (p < 0,001-0,002, ES = very large). Conclusion: Coaches can use this information to prescribe training sessions that are more representative of the match context.