Decoding Victory in Professional Soccer: How Tactical, Technical and Running Performance Shape Match Success in Spanish LaLiga
(Joaquín González-Rodenas, Jordi Ferrandis, Víctor Moreno-Pérez, Roberto López-Del Campo, Ricardo Resta, Juan Del Coso)

The study aimed to analyze tactical, technical, and running performance variables according to the match outcome in Spanish LaLiga soccer matches. A sample of 20 teams participating in 380 matches during the 2020/2021 LaLiga season was examined. Each match was evaluated for eight tactical, ten technical, six physical, and four contextual variables (match location, opponent ranking, team ranking and numerical imbalance) using a reliable and validated optical tracking system. Linear mixed generalized models revealed that teams implemented an offensive style with a moderate decrease in positional attacks (Coefficient (β) = −13.11; p < 0.001), presented a small decrease in set pieces (β = −2.15; p < 0.001), but slightly more counterattacks (β = 1.18; p < 0.05) in wins than in losses. Defensively, teams exhibited a moderate increase in low-block sequences (β = 5.01; p < 0.001) and defensive set pieces (β = 2.23; p < 0.001), as well as a slight decrease in high-block sequences (β = −2.80; p < 0.05) in wins versus losses. Physically (in km), teams covered moderately less total distance (TD) (β = −4.16; p < 0.001) and high-intensity running distance (HIRD) (β = −0.10; p < 0.001), but more high-speed distance (HSR) (β = 0.10; p < 0.001) offensively in wins versus losses. Contrarily, slightly more TD (β = 3.69; p < 0.001) and less HSR (β = −0.72; p < 0.05) were covered defensively during victories. In conclusion, winning teams in LaLiga adopted a more direct playing style, emphasizing more counterattacks, HSR in attack and low-block defensive sequences