Technical-tactical indicators and playing styles associated with competitive success in the five major European football league
Abstract
The present study analysed the relationship between technical-tactical indicators, playing styles, and competitive success in the five major European professional football leagues, namely LaLiga, the Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga, during the 2022–2023 season. Based on a sample of 1,826 matches and 3,652 team observations, descriptive, correlational, discriminant, and CHAID classification analyses were conducted using data obtained from the WhoScored/Opta platform. The results revealed significant differences between teams according to their final league ranking. Higher-ranked teams displayed greater levels of territorial control, passing accuracy, offensive progression, and production of finishing actions, whereas lower-ranked teams showed more reactive and defensive profiles. Correlational analyses identified positive associations between wins, goals scored, shots on target, and key passes. Likewise, offensive actions generated through counterattacks showed the strongest relationship with goal production, while defensive aerial duels were associated with greater defensive vulnerability. Goal-scoring efficiency emerged as the most relevant indicator of competitive performance, showing the largest effect size among the variables analysed (ε² = .686). In addition, it displayed significant associations with avoiding defeat (r = .522; p < .001), failing to win (r = -.429; p < .001), and goals scored (r = .820; p < .001). Discriminant analyses achieved correct classification rates of 76.9% for avoiding defeat and 70.1% for failing to win. CHAID analyses showed that there is no single playing style associated with competitive success.
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