Performance of football teams varies constantly due to the dynamic nature of this sport, whilst the typical performance and its spread can be represented by profiles combining different performance-related variables based on data from multiple matches. The current study aims to use a profiling technique to evaluate and compare match performance of football teams in the UEFA Champions League incorporating three situational variables (i.e. strength of team and opponent, match outcome and match location). Match statistics of 72 teams, 496 games across four seasons (2008-09 to 2012-13) of this competition were analysed. Sixteen performance-related events were included: shots, shots on target, shots from open play, shots from set piece, shots from counter attack, passes, pass accuracy (%), crosses, through balls, corners, dribbles, possession, aerial success (%), fouls, tackles, and yellow cards. Teams were classified into three levels of strength by a k-cluster analysis. Profiles of overall performance and profiles incorporating three situational variables for teams of all three levels of strength were set up by presenting the mean, standard deviation, median, lower and upper quartiles of the counts of each event to represent their typical performances and spreads. Means were compared by using one-way ANOVA and independent sample t test (for match location, home and away differences), and were plotted into the same radar charts after unifying all the event counts by standardised score. Established profiles can present straightforwardly typical performances of football teams of different levels playing in different situations, which could provide detailed references for coaches and analysts to evaluate performances of upcoming opposition and of their own.

Previous studies have analysed the influence of contextual variables on performance and physical demands in soccer. However, the points needed to remain in the category have been an element that has not been analysed previously. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of match location, match period, strength of the opponent and the points required to keep category on physical performance in professional soccer players. Fourteen Spanish second B Division League matches played by a professional football team were analysed during the 2016/17 season using GPS devices. The 10 main players of each match used the GPS throughout the match. The variables of Total Distance (m), High Intensity Distance (m), High intensity Accelerations (n), Sprint Time (s) and Sprint Distance (m) were analysed. The most notable differences are found in Total Distance covered. Away games accumulated significantly more distance than those played at home, but only in the second half (+230.65 m, IC95%: 21.94 to 438.19, ES: 0.46, p = 0.031). There are no differences depending on the strength of the opponent. However, players covered greater distances during the first half in those matches that were played furthest from salvation (+235.86 m, 95% CI: 49.03 to 422.70, ES: 0.51, p = 0.014). Total Distance is the main parameter affected by situational variables. In addition, the pressure of being further away from saving the category increases the distance covered by players in a game.