Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explain the performance profile of F.C. Barcelona in a match. Using data from the 38 matches played by F.C. Barcelona in the 2004-2005 Spanish Soccer League, this paper explains the differences in the performance obtained by this team in each game. Performance is measured as the difference between shots attempted and shots received. Specifically the performance of F.C. Barcelona is examined depending on their playing at home or away, the identity of the opposing team in each match, the penalty area reaching and the ball possession. Results from linear regression analysis show that the variables are statistically significant and jointly explain 68 percent of the sample variance of the performance. The second objective is to check the homogeneity of the previous model depending on evolving match status i.e. whether F.C. Barcelona takes or loses the initiative in a match. The findings indicate that the performance of F.C Barcelona during the game is influenced by the playing style used. In short, when F.C. Barcelona takes the initiative in the match a better performance is achieved compared to when initiative is lost and the values of the variables examined are different under these scenarios.