Exploratory analysis reveals interceptions crucial for champion teams' success in European football leagues, indicating efficiency-based strategies matter.
Key Points
This research aimed to quantify performance indicators linked to match outcomes of champion teams in European football leagues.
Analyzed 182 matches from the 2023–2024 season across five major leagues.
Used ordinal logistic regression with robust standard errors clustered by team, considering match location and opponent quality.
Examined offensive indicators such as possession, shots on target and expected goals, alongside defensive indicators like interceptions and fouls.
Goals scored and shots on target positively correlated with match outcomes.
Interceptions were significant against high-quality opponents.
Efficiency-based indicators emerged as key factors for competitive success among elite teams.