Determination of Important Game-Related Statistics in the UEFA Champions League: A 5-year follow-up

Abstract

The research aimed to examine the effect of important game-related statistics on the success of the teams that made it to the knockout stages of the Champions League for 5 years (between 2015-2016 and 2019-2020 seasons). In the research, 139 matches of 35 teams that took part in the top 16 rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final tours of UEFA Champions League competitions were examined. The teams were divided into two groups the teams that qualified and the teams that were eliminated. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the in-game variables of the teams that passed the round and were eliminated. Linear discriminant analysis was used to determine important in-game variables between teams. The results of this research show that the number of statistical data related to the game between the teams that passed the round and the eliminated teams differed or decreased as they progressed from the round of 16 to the final. (Last of 16: goals scored, ball possession (%), duels won (%), passes, shots, number of shots on target, shots outside the penalty area, shots inside the penalty area, tackle, and red cards; Quarter-final round: shots on target; Semi-finals: aerial won (%), duels won (%), attacking sides rates (%)). In the study, it was found that only the goals scored and conceded in the last 16 and quarter-finals in the knockout stages had distinctive power, but no distinguishing variable was found in the semi-final and final stages. Therefore, the Champions League is one of the most followed organizations by football coaches and professionals. The tactical approaches of the teams that are successful in this tournament should be followed by football coaches at all levels and it is recommended to include variables that ensure success in training and matches.