Physical Match Performance of Professional Men’s Football Players from Different Competitive Levels During Direct Competition

The influence of competitive standards on physical performance in professional football remains controversial, particularly when teams from different divisions compete against each other. This study aimed to analyze position-specific differences in physical performance, both in possession and out of possession, between Spanish First and Second Division teams during direct competition. Match data from 25 Copa del Rey fixtures across three seasons were analyzed using a validated multi-camera tracking system. Physical performance variables were examined according to playing position. First Division players accumulated greater total distance during in-possession phases, particularly central defenders (CDs), wide defenders (WDs), central midfielders (CMs), and wide midfielders (WMs), whereas Second Division players covered greater distances during out-of-possession phases, mainly CDs, WDs, and CMs. In addition, First Division CMs exhibited higher high-speed running in possession, while Second Division forwards (FWs) demonstrated greater high-speed running and defensive high-speed running. Differences in maximum velocity were also observed in CDs, with higher values recorded in the First Division. Overall, these findings indicate that physical performance is modulated by the competitive standard and playing position. However, the interpretation of these differences should not be dissociated from the tactical nature of football, as players’ specific positions and the tactical roles derived from them may condition the physical demands imposed during different phases of play, rather than reflecting isolated physical capacity.