Physical performance responses to match venue and outcome in elite soccer

BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that match venue influences technical, tactical, fitness, nutrition, the importance of the match, sleep, and psychological factors. This study investigates the impact of match venue (i.e., home vs. away) and match outcome (i.e., win, draw, or loss) on performance metrics among Turkish Super League teams. Utilizing a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) approach, we analyze performance indicators such as total distance covered, distance covered at different speed intervals, and number of sprint efforts (> 7 m·s⁻¹). RESULTS: Considering the total distance covered, the GLM showed no significant effects of match venue [Wald (1,625) = 0.398; p = 0.528], match outcome [Wald (2,624) = 3.413; p = 0.181], and interaction between the factors [Wald (2,624) = 0.477; p = 0.788]. Significant effects were observed in the distance covered at speeds over 7 m·s⁻¹. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the match venue does not impact physical performance. At the same time, winning teams display higher distances covered at higher speeds and perform more sprint efforts (> 7 m·s⁻¹), indicating that physically outperforming opponents is relevant for winning in elite soccer.