UEFA Europe League: performance indicators analysis and success

Abstract

The objective of the present investigation is to identify and analyze which are the performance indicators which lead teams to the success in top European football. We based our investigation on the 56 teams who joined the 2012-2013 season of the UEFA Europe League. The game related variables taken into account are the following; shots/received, crosses/received, foul received/committed. Off sides committed/favor, possession minutes, lost/recoveries. All of them compared with a numerical variable called Ranking which gives numerical values to each team based on their performance. Data were analyzed using ANOVA analysis, correlations and regression analysis. The results show that the successful teams have significant values in goals scored and shots made although, the possession minutes are not a significant factor in the success of this competition. The defensive variables have a huge impact in the final result as well in terms of goals received, fouls committed and red cards. Despite football is an unpredictable sport, results show that managers should base on the defensive strength forgetting about ball possession to win this competition. Not always the more possession lead to a fully success