International  Journal  of
Environmental Research
and Public Health
Article
A Longitudinal Exploration of Match Running Performance
during a Football Match in the Spanish La Liga:
A Four-Season Study †
Eduard Pons 1, José Carlos Ponce-Bordón 2,*
, Jesús Díaz-García 2, Roberto López del Campo 3, Ricardo Resta 3
,
Xavier Peirau 4
and Tomas García-Calvo 2


Citation: Pons, E.; Ponce-Bordón,
J.C.; Díaz-García, J.; López del Campo,
R.; Resta, R.; Peirau, X.; García-Calvo,
T. A Longitudinal Exploration of
Match Running Performance during
a Football Match in the Spanish La
Liga: A Four-Season Study. Int. J.
Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18,
1133. https://doi.org/10.3390/
ijerph18031133
Received: 18 November 2020
Accepted: 22 January 2021
Published: 28 January 2021
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1
Sports Performance Area, FC Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; edu.pons.a@gmail.com
2
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; jdiaz@unex.es (J.D.-G.);
tgarciac@unex.es (T.G.-C.)
3
LaLiga Sport Research Section, 28043 Madrid, Spain; rlopez@laliga.es (R.L.d.C.); rresta@laliga.es (R.R.)
4
National Institute of Physical Education of Catalunya, 25192 Lleida, Spain; xpeirau@gencat.cat
*
Correspondence: jponcebo@gmail.com
†
Boulevard of the University s/n. CP: 10003 Caceres, Spain.
Abstract: This study aimed to analyze and compare the match running performance during ofﬁcial
matches across four seasons (2015/2016–2018/2019) in the top two professional leagues of Spanish
football. Match running performance data were collected from all matches in the First Spanish
Division (Santander; n = 1520) and Second Spanish Division (Smartbank; n = 1848), using the
Mediacoach® System. Total distance and distances of 14–21 km·h−1, 21–24 km·h−1, and more than
24 km·h−1, and the number of sprints between 21 and 24 km·h−1 and more than 24 km·h−1 were
analyzed. The results showed higher total distances in the First Spanish Division than in the Second
Spanish Division (p < 0.001) in all the variables analyzed. Regarding the evolution of both leagues,
physical demands decreased more in the First Spanish Division than in the Second Spanish Division.
The results showed a decrease in total distance and an increase in the high-intensity distances and
number of sprints performed, although a clearer trend is perceived in the First Spanish Division
(p < 0.001; p < 0.01, respectively). Knowledge about the evolution of match running performance
allows practitioners to manage the training load according to the competition demands to improve
players’ performances and reduce the injury rate.
Keywords: longitudinal study; match running performance; professional soccer leagues; sports
performance; external load
1. Introduction
The external load of soccer matches has been studied in depth over the last two
decades, which has improved knowledge on its evolution and trends [1]. Thus, different
variables have been analyzed, usually related to the distance covered by the players at
different intensities [2], and it should be noted that soccer match running performance has
evolved, with signiﬁcant increases in high-intensity actions [3]. Match physical demands
can vary depending on the tactical planning, the opposite team’s playing style or the
tactical–technical demands [4]. Research has also shown that these changes could be
related to differences between soccer leagues [5]. However, to the best of our knowledge,
there are no updated studies on how efforts have evolved in professional leagues’ full
seasons. In addition, we found no studies of the analysis and comparison of match running
performance from several seasons between two professional soccer leagues to update
our knowledge about physical differences at the competitive level and in the evolution
of football.
Regarding the comparison of match running performance between professional soccer
leagues, a previous study analyzed the external load of the top three leagues in English
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031133
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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soccer: the FA Premier League, Championship, and League One [5]. This study concluded
that the players in the Premier League, compared to players in the lower leagues such
as the Championship and League One, covered less total distance and had fewer high-
intensity running distances (p < 0.01). A related study collected physical demand data
over four seasons (2006–2010) in two top leagues of English soccer, with similar external
load data [6]. Players of the Championship League (2nd) covered more total distance
than players of the Premier League (1st). In addition, Championship players covered
more high-intensity running distance and performed more sprinting-intensity actions than
Premiership players. However, recent research has found the opposite results in this area
of study. In this way, authors described and compared the match running performance
of the teams of the Spanish First and Second Division leagues during the 2015–2016
season, showing that the Spanish First Division teams covered more total distance than
the Spanish Second Division teams [7]. There were differences in the distance covered at
high intensity and very high intensity, where teams from the First Division covered more
meters at these intensities. In this line, similar results were reported in the analysis of the
match running performance of three professional soccer leagues in Norwegian football [8].
They found a higher total distance in the Norwegian ﬁrst league teams, but differences
were nonsigniﬁcant. Concerning high-intensity running distances, Norway’s ﬁrst league
teams covered higher sprinting distances than Norway’s second and fourth league teams
(p < 0.05). Thus, the most recent studies agree on the presence of higher match physical
demands (total and at high intensity) in the top professional soccer leagues.
On the other hand, research of the evolution of external load has shown that total
distances have been stable over the period from 1967 to 2012 [9]. However, it has also
demonstrated that total distance has increased by 2% in the English Premier League
over seven consecutive seasons (2006/2007–2012/2013), whereas high-intensity running
and sprint distances have increased by 30–50% [3]. Moreover, a longitudinal study of
the World Cup ﬁnal soccer games reported that the soccer game trend evolved towards
shorter, higher intensity play periods because players covered a higher sprint distance and
they performed sprints more frequently [10]. Although the evolution of match running
performance has also been analyzed by ranking tiers, similar trends have been found for
all tiers. In this sense, one study reported that, during seven consecutive seasons in the
English Premier League, there was an increase in high-intensity running distance (40%)
and leading (15%) and explosive (25%) sprints for all tiers, although the average distance
covered per sprint decreased [11]. Thus, changes have been observed in the external load
of soccer competitions over the last few years. It is difﬁcult to attribute these ﬁndings to a
single factor. These changes could be explained through the increases in the competition
levels of the leagues, the evolution of movement patterns, training speciﬁcity based on
match physical demand data or a new approach to training [12]. It also could be related
to the playing formation or, possibly, the recruitment of players with more explosive
characteristics [1,7,11,13].
There are few studies on the evolution of external load over several years. Most of
them are outdated and only analyzed the English Premier League. In addition, even if
some works compare leagues or analyze the evolution of external load, there are no stud-
ies comparing the evolution of leagues of different levels over several years. Therefore,
the aim of this study was to analyze and compare the evolution of match running perfor-
mance between LaLiga Santander (LL1) and LaLiga Smartbank (LL2) across four seasons
(2015/2016–2018/2019).
Based on the aforementioned studies [3,7,11], the authors established the following
hypotheses. Concerning the match running performance comparison, we expected that
the total distances, the distances covered at high intensity, and the number of very high-
intensity running efforts would be higher in LL1 than in LL2.
On the other hand, we expected that the total distance, the distances covered at high
intensity, and the number of very high-intensity running efforts would increase in both
professional soccer leagues across the four seasons analyzed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Participants
The sample included observations of all the matches played over four seasons in LL1
and LL2 (2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019). Two observations were made
by match, and one by team. In LL1, 752 team match observations were included in the
2015/2016 season; 744 team match observations were included in the 2016/2017 season;
723 observations were included in the 2017/2018 season and, ﬁnally, 731 observations
were included in the 2018/2019 season. Similarly, in LL2, 700 team match observations
were included in the 2015/2016 season; 744 team match observations were included in the
2016/2017 season; 870 observations were included in the 2017/2018 season and, ﬁnally,
731 observations were included in the 2018/2019 season. In addition, 784 observations
were excluded due to technical problems in the data collecting system or adverse weather
conditions during the match, leading to a total of 5952 team match observations.
2.2. Design and Procedures
Match running performance data were collected by a multicamera tracking system
called Mediacoach®. This system assesses the distance covered in meters by teams and the
number of high-intensity sprints (LaLiga™, Madrid, Spain). It consists of a series of super
4K-High Dynamic Range cameras based on a positioning system (Tracab—ChyronHego
VTS) that records and analyzes X and Y positions for each player from several angles,
thus providing real-time three-dimensional tracking (tracking data are recorded at 25 Hz).
Mediacoach® has been proven to be both reliable and valid and has been used in previous
studies [14–16]. Data were provided to the authors by LaLigaTM, and the study received
ethical approval from the University of Extremadura, Vice-Rectorate of Research, Transfer
and Innovation—Delegation of the Bioethics and Biosafety Commission (Protocol number:
153/2017).
2.3. Study Variables
Similarly to previous studies [17–19], the physical demand variables were recorded for
each match: (1) total distance covered by soccer teams in meters (TD); (2) distance covered
between 14 and 21 km·h−1 (i.e., High-Intensity Running Distance = HIRD); (3) distance
covered between 21 and 24 km·h−1 (i.e., Very High-Intensity Running Distance = VHIRD);
(4) distance covered at more than 24 km·h−1 (i.e., Sprinting Distance = SpD). These variables
were shown and analyzed by matches and separated by halves (ﬁrst and second half).
In addition, the number of sprints performed was registered, as well as (5) the number of
very high-intensity running sprints at 21–24 km·h−1 (i.e., SpVHIR), and (6) the number of
sprints at more than 24 km·h−1 (i.e., SP). All efforts that implied a minimum movement
of one meter, which was maintained for a 1 s minimum, were recorded. Any recording at
a speed of over 80% of the value of that category (i.e., >24 km·h−1) was considered as a
single register. All these variables show total team values (i.e., all players who participated
in matches, starters, nonstarters and substitutes).
2.4. Data Analysis
The statistical program SPSS 25.0 was used (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp, 2017) to analyze
and treat the data. Firstly, a two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to explore
the main differences between the two professional soccer leagues for external load variables
(i.e., variables related to distances covered and the number of sprints) across matches and
halves. Subsequently, a 2 × 4 Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to
examine the differences between the two professional soccer leagues across four seasons
in different subsets of dependent variables. A split ﬁle, where data were separated by
seasons, was used to carry out a posthoc comparison between the professional soccer
leagues, using Bonferroni posthoc analyses. Thus, MANOVA investigated the evolution
of the external load variables, where season and league (LL1 or LL2) were independent
variables. Statistical signiﬁcance was set at p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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3. Results
Table 1 shows the mean match running performance comparison between LL1 and
LL2 across the four league seasons. We observed a higher TD in LL1 than in LL2 (p < 0.001).
In the analysis of TD by halves, in LL1, TD decreased over the match, as TD was higher in
the ﬁrst half than in the second half, whereas this trend was the opposite in LL2. Similarly,
HIRD was higher in LL1 than in LL2 (p < 0.001). Concerning the analysis of the HIRD by
halves, this variable was higher in the ﬁrst half than in the second half in both leagues.
VHIRD and SpD were also higher in LL1 than in LL2 (p < 0.001). These two variables were
higher in the second halves for these two leagues. Finally, SpVHIR and SP were higher in
LL1 (p < 0.001).
Table 1. Differences between both professional soccer leagues in match running performance.
LL1
LL2
F
p
M (%)
SD
M (%)
SD
TD (m)
109,135
4355
107,895
4110
126
0.00 (***)
TD 1st Half (m)
54,826 (50.24%)
2390
53,935 (49.99%)
2386
205
0.00 (***)
TD 2nd Half (m)
54,309 (49.76%)
2664
53,960 (50.01%)
2570
26
0.00 (***)
HIRD 14–21 km·h−1 (m)
22,436 (20.56%)
2182
21,727 (20.14%)
2005
169
0.00 (***)
HIRD 1st Half (m)
11,395 (10.44%)
1222
10,971 (10.17%)
1129
191
0.00 (***)
HIRD 2nd Half (m)
11,041 (10.12%)
1186
10,756 (9.97%)
1129
89
0.00 (***)
VHIRD 21–24 km·h−1 (m)
3019 (2.77%)
385
2838 (2.63%)
378
331
0.00 (***)
VHIRD 1st Half (m)
1504 (1.38%)
230
1409 (1.31%)
223
255
0.00 (***)
VHIRD 2nd Half (m)
1515 (1.39%)
234
1429 (1.32%)
231
202
0.00 (***)
SpD > 24 km·h−1 (m)
2905 (2.66%)
490
2687 (2.49%)
481
296
0.00 (***)
SpD 1st Half (m)
1437 (1.32%)
291
1329 (1.23%)
279
209
0.00 (***)
SpD 2nd Half (m)
1467 (1.34%)
304
1357 (1.26%)
299
196
0.00 (***)
SpVHIR 21–24 km·h−1
264 (62.12%)
30
249 (62.41%)
30
354
0.00 (***)
SP > 24 km·h−1
161 (37.88%)
23
150 (37.59%)
22
287
0.00 (***)
Note: *** p < 0.001; TD = Total distance, HIRD = High-intensity running distances, VHIRD = Very high-intensity running distances,
SpD = Sprinting distance, SpVHIR = Sprints at very high-intensity running, and SP = Sprints at more than 24 km/h; LL1: LaLiga Santander;
LL2: LaLiga Smartbank; % = percentage of the total distance covered. The percentage of SpVHIR and SP takes into account the sum of
both variables.
Table 2 shows the evolution of TD and HIRD in LL1 and LL2 over these four seasons.
We can observe a progressive decrease in TD, especially in LL1. Furthermore, during
the second half, TD decreased more in LL2 than in LL1, where it remained more stable.
HIRD showed a slight increase in LL1 and a slight decrease in LL2. Concretely, during
the ﬁrst half, HIRD increased slightly in both professional soccer leagues over the four
seasons. However, during the second half, HIRD increased in LL1, whereas in LL2, there
was a decrease.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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Table 2. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to compare TD and HIRD between seasons and professional
soccer leagues.
LL1
p
LL2
p
F
Sig.
Eta
Power
Variables
Season
M
SD
M
SD
TD (m)
15/16
109,368
4376
d
108,176
3973
bd
1.53
0.20
0.001
0.41
16/17
109,241
4319
d
107,581
4082
ac
17/18
109,321
4189
d
108,205
4238
bd
18/19
108,603
4495
abc
107,530
4062
ac
TD 1st Half (m)
15/16
55,009
2387
d
53,974
2244
3.04
0.03
0.002
0.72
16/17
54,900
2381
d
53,775
2230
c
17/18
54,861
2395
d
54,206
2520
bd
18/19
54,526
2374
abc
53,707
2500
c
TD 2nd Half (m)
15/16
54,358
2660
54,201
2609
bd
1.67
0.17
0.001
0.44
16/17
54,340
2604
53,806
2618
a
17/18
54,460
2546
d
53,999
2578
18/19
54,077
2827
c
53,822
2434
a
HIRD
14–21 km·h−1 (m)
15/16
22,304
2050
c
21,743
1987
bc
1.68
0.17
.001
0.44
16/17
22,267
2112
c
21,383
2022
acd
17/18
22,709
2322
ab
22,044
2023
abd
18/19
22,472
2217
21,688
1910
bc
HIRD
1st Half (m)
15/16
11,335
1167
c
10,922
1103
c
1.50
0.21
0.001
0.40
16/17
11,307
1189
c
10,810
1123
c
17/18
11,515
1293
ab
11,174
1154
abd
18/19
11,427
1230
10,939
1087
c
HIRD
2nd Half (m)
15/16
10,969
1135
c
10,821
1160
b
2.85
0.04
0.001
0.69
16/17
10,960
1140
c
10,573
1142
acd
17/18
11,194
1259
ab
10,869
1120
b
18/19
11,044
119
10,749
1062
b
Note: TD = total distance and HIRD = high-intensity running distances; LL1: LaLiga Santander; LL2: LaLiga Smartbank. Posthoc
comparisons: a = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2015/2016 season; b = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2016/2017 season;
c = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2017/2018 season; d = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2018/2019 season.
The main difference in the evolution of these professional soccer leagues was the
distance covered at very high intensity and sprinting, as shown in Table 3. VHIRD and SpD
increased across these four seasons, especially in LL1 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).
During the ﬁrst half, VHIRD increased signiﬁcantly in both leagues. Likewise, VHIRD
also increased during the second half over the four seasons and in LL1 this increase was
signiﬁcant. In addition, VHIRD was higher in LL1 than in LL2 (p < 0.001). For SpD,
signiﬁcant increases were obtained in both leagues (p < 0.001). Concretely, in both halves,
SpD increased signiﬁcantly over the four seasons, but it was higher in LL1 than in LL2
(p < 0.01).
Finally, Table 4 shows the evolution of SpVHIR and SP across the four seasons and the
comparison between the two professional soccer leagues. For SpVHIR, signiﬁcant increases
were found in both leagues (p < 0.001). Moreover, SpVHIR was higher in LL1 than in LL2
(p < 0.001). On the other hand, SP increased over the four seasons and, in LL2, this increase
was signiﬁcant. SP was also higher in LL1 (p < 0.001) than in LL2.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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Table 3. MANOVA to compare VHIRD and SpD between seasons and professional soccer leagues.
LL1
p
LL2
p
F
Sig.
Eta
Power
Variables
Season
M
SD
M
SD
VHIRD
21–24 km·h−1 (m)
2015/2016
3020
375
2817
47
c
7.19
0.00
0.004
0.98
2016/2017
2988
385
d
2782
47
cd
2017/2018
3013
384
2907
49
abd
2018/2019
3056
396
b
2836
50
bc
VHIRD 1st Half
(m)
2015/2016
1515
233
1392
358
c
9.65
0.00
0.004
0.99
2016/2017
1485
230
d
1383
362
c
2017/2018
1492
222
1448
392
abd
2018/2019
1523
235
b
1406
385
c
VHIRD 2nd Half
(m)
2015/2016
1504
225
d
1424
210
c
2.86
0.04
0.005
0.69
2016/2017
1503
225
1399
217
c
2017/2018
1521
244
1459
232
ab
2018/2019
1533
241
a
1429
225
SpD > 24 km·h−1
(m)
2015/2016
2873
468
d
2630
28
c
3.99
0.01
0.003
0.84
2016/2017
2860
502
cd
2636
29
c
2017/2018
2930
486
b
2777
31
abd
2018/2019
2959
500
ab
2689
30
c
SpD 1st Half (m)
2015/2016
1432
286
1299
491
c
5.73
0.00
0.002
0.95
2016/2017
1413
303
d
1293
466
cd
2017/2018
1440
284
1382
477
abd
2018/2019
1464
289
b
1335
475
bc
SpD 2nd Half (m)
2015/2016
1441
285
cd
1331
281
c
1.56
0.20
0.003
0.41
2016/2017
1447
295
cd
1342
270
c
2017/2018
1489
316
ab
1394
285
ab
2018/2019
1495
317
ab
1354
267
Note. VHIRD = very high-intensity running distances, SpD = sprinting distance; LL1: LaLiga Santander; LL2: LaLiga Smartbank. Posthoc
comparisons: a = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2015/2016 season; b = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2016/2017 season;
c = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2017/2018 season; d = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2018/2019 season.
Table 4. MANOVA to compare number of sprints at different speed levels between seasons and professional soccer leagues.
LL1
p
LL2
p
F
Sig.
Eta
Power
Variables
Season
M
SD
M
SD
No. SpVHIR
21–24 km·h−1
2015/2016
263
29
d
247
224
c
6.85
0.00
0.001
0.98
2016/2017
262
31
d
245
226
c
2017/2018
264
30
255
241
abd
2018/2019
268
32
ab
249
228
c
No. SP >
24 km·h−1
2015/2016
160
22
148
291
c
4.93
0.00
0.001
0.91
2016/2017
160
23
148
300
c
2017/2018
161
22
155
303
abd
2018/2019
162
23
150
297
c
Note. SpVHIR = sprints at very high-intensity running and SP = sprints at more than 24 km·h−1; LL1: LaLiga Santander; LL2: LaLiga
Smartbank. Posthoc comparisons: a = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2015/2016 season; b = signiﬁcant differences compared with
2016/2017 season; c = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2017/2018 season; d = signiﬁcant differences compared with 2018/2019 season.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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4. Discussion
This study aimed to analyze and compare the evolution of the match running perfor-
mance between the top two professional Spanish leagues (LL1 and LL2) across four seasons:
2015/2016–2018/2019. The main ﬁndings of the study showed that TD, VHIRD, and SpD
were higher in LL1 than in LL2. Concerning the comparison between the ﬁrst and second
halves, we found that high-intensity efforts increased in the second half, especially in LL1.
The match running performance evolved during these seasons, showing different changes
between the two leagues. Speciﬁcally, TD decreased signiﬁcantly in LL1, whereas VHIRD
and SpD increased progressively in both leagues. SpVHIR also increased signiﬁcantly in
both leagues, whereas SP increased signiﬁcantly only in LL2.
Firstly, concerning the match running performance comparison, we expected that
all the physical variables analyzed in the present study would be higher in LL1 than in
LL2. The results showed that external load was higher in LL1 than in LL2. In particular,
the distances covered at high intensity and the number of high-intensity efforts were
signiﬁcantly higher in LL1. These results showed that the league at the higher competitive
level had higher physical demands during matches. Our ﬁndings agree with previous
studies [7,8,20], which compared the top two Spanish and Norwegian professional soccer
leagues, ﬁnding that the top-tiered leagues were more physically demanding. Several
explanations could be used to interpret our results. One reason could be the physical
capacity of the players of these teams, such that the LL1 clubs contributed to improving the
match running performance of their players [11]. Another reason could be related to the
playing formation used by LL1 teams, as certain playing formations imply higher external
loads, and LL1 teams may use these more demanding playing formations [13]. Concerning
the differences between halves of the matches, it can be observed that the ﬁrst half of LL1
is more demanding than the second half.
Secondly, with respect to the evolution of match running performance during these
four seasons, we expected an increase in total distance, the distances covered at high
intensity, and the number of very high-intensity running efforts. On the contrary, the
changes showed signiﬁcant decreases in TD in both professional soccer leagues. A possible
cause of this may be the playing style used by teams of LaLiga [21] because, in recent years,
there has been a gradual increase in teams that prioritized ball possession, conﬁrming
that in ball control plays with few transitions players covered less total running distances,
although greater distances were covered at high intensity [22]. In addition, the introduction
of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has led to a decrease in effective game time, which has
contributed to the decrease in TD [23,24].
In agreement with our hypothesis, where we expected an increase in the distances
covered at high intensity and the number of very high-intensity running efforts, the results
showed that signiﬁcant increases in distances covered and efforts performed at high
intensity were obtained during the four seasons. In this sense, the signiﬁcant increases in
HIRD and VHIRD are indicators of the evolution and changes occurring in soccer, where
players are now trained to perform more high-intensity actions. This has probably been
caused by the current training perspective, which increases the presence of high-intensity
stimuli according to the competition demands and it decreases the rate of injuries, as
achieving optimal player performance while minimizing the risk of injury is the main
objective [12,25,26]. These types of efforts are keys to achieving high performances in
soccer [27,28] and they are important in decisive situations in professional football. They
are the most dominant actions when scoring goals [29]. In this sense, in the 2018/2019
season, VAR was added, which promoted longer recovery times, where high-intensity
efforts predominate [24]. Another possible reason could be the tactical evolution of football.
Today’s models and playstyles tend to advance defensive pressure lines, resulting in larger
spaces and more actions performed at high intensity to take advantage of these spaces.
When examining the match running performance separated by halves, TD decreased
in LL1 across the second half, contrary to the results shown in LL2, where TD increased.
In addition, in LL1, the decrease in TD in the second half was less than in the ﬁrst halves of
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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the matches. These results could be explained by the high equality between the teams in
LL1 and LL2, where the matches are usually decided in the second half. The decrease in
TD in LL1 is further supported by the fact that LL1 teams performed a large number of
high-intensity efforts compared to LL2 during the ﬁrst half, which could cause a decrease
in TD during the second half [30].
Finally, concerning the comparison of the evolution between the two professional
soccer leagues, we found that in LL1 there is a trend toward a progressive increase in
VHIRD and SpD, especially in the second half, whereas in LL2, the trend is not clear. On the
other hand, VHIRD and SpD increased during the second halves in both professional soccer
leagues, contrary to the results reported in previous studies [31]. A possible reason for
these results is the higher TD and high-intensity efforts performed by the substitutes during
the second halves [32]. Although we stated that the equality between teams was higher in
LL2, another possible explanation is the increase in the effect of match status during the
second halves. In both leagues, time pressure is higher in the second half. For example,
it is not the same to be losing 1–0 at half-time as at 80 min. The effects of time pressure and
match status probably increase high-intensity actions [17,33].
4.1. Limitations and Future Perspectives
Taking into account the characteristics of the present study and the novelty of this topic,
we considered some limitations with a view to future research. In the 2018/2019 season,
VAR was added, which has promoted longer recovery times. In future investigations, we
should analyze the differences in the external load before and after the implementation
of VAR. In addition, we did not analyze other physical variables such as accelerations
and decelerations, which are part of the external load of soccer matches [34]. Thus, these
types of physical variables must be analyzed to obtain more information about the match
running performance of the competition. Finally, another possible study would be about
the different evolution of each team across these seasons (e.g., according to classiﬁcation or
playing style).
4.2. Practical Applications
Based on the results obtained, some practical applications can be extracted. Firstly,
the paradigm of match running performance has changed across the seasons. Thus, it is
also necessary for physical training in soccer to evolve in keeping with current match
physical demands to optimize the training process. In this sense, knowledge about the
match running performance allows coaches to design soccer training with the correct
stimuli to optimize players’ performances. In this regard, this type of stimuli constitutes
a methodology for injury prevention and could reduce the injury rate of soccer players.
In addition, the evolution of high-intensity efforts is very important in designing speciﬁc
training tasks that reproduce competition demands. Finally, it was found that the Spanish
LL1 is more demanding than LL2, and this information is very important to practitioners
who are training in each professional soccer league, since it allows them to discern the
different external loads in both the ﬁrst and second divisions.
5. Conclusions
The present research describes and compares the differences in match running per-
formances between the top two Spanish professional soccer leagues across four seasons.
Firstly, the results showed higher external loads in LL1 than in LL2. Concretely, the dis-
tances covered at high intensity are higher in LL1 than in LL2. Secondly, the decrease in
total distance and the increase in distance covered and efforts performed at high intensity
are the main changes in the external load of soccer in both leagues. Finally, VHIRD and
SpD increased during the second halves in both professional soccer leagues. In summary,
we must take into account the evolution of the match running performance in training and
the teams’ playing styles to ensure that players are trained to perform more high-intensity
efforts during the matches.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1133
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Author Contributions: Conceptualization, T.G.-C.; formal analysis, T.G.-C.; funding acquisition,
R.L.d.C. and R.R.; investigation, E.P., J.C.P.-B., J.D.-G., R.L.d.C., R.R., X.P. and T.G.-C.; methodology,
J.C.P.-B.; project administration, T.G.-C.; resources, R.L.d.C. and R.R.; visualization, E.P., J.C.P.-B.
and J.D.-G.; writing—original draft, J.C.P.-B.; writing—review and editing, E.P., J.D.-G. and T.G.-C.
All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the European Regional Development Found (ERDF), the
Government of Extremadura (Department of Economy and Infrastructure) and LaLiga Research and
Analysis Sections.
Institutional Review Board Statement: The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the
Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board (or Ethics Committee) of
University of Extremadura (Protocol number: 153/2017).
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: Restrictions apply to the availability of these data. Data was obtained
from LaLiga and are available at https://www.laliga.es/en with the permission of LaLiga.
Conﬂicts of Interest: The authors declare no conﬂict of interest. In addition, the funders had no role
in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the
manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.
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A Longitudinal Exploration of Match Running Performance during a Football Match in the Spanish La Liga: A Four-Season Study.
Pons, Eduard,Ponce-Bordón, José Carlos,Díaz-García, Jesús,López Del Campo, Roberto,Resta, Ricardo,Peirau, Xavier,García-Calvo, Tomas