Passing behaviour patterns in UEFA Champions League finals (2018-2022)

The aim of this study was to analyse the behavioural patterns of passes made in UEFA Champions League finals played between 2018 and 2022, and to identify the situational (field position, opponent pressure) and behavioural (passing technique, decision making) factors associated with successful passes. Successful passes are those that result in the loss of possession by the opponent, or culminate in a goal or a shot. The study was carried out on a one-off, nomothetic and multidimensional basis: it was based on the observation of a specific moment without continuous time tracking, the comparison of behaviours of seven teams, and the analysis of various levels of response with an observation instrument. To this end, an observation instrument was constructed and validated through expert review, pilot testing, and reliability and validity analysis, therefore ensuring accuracy in coding. The participants of the study were professional teams playing in the UEFA Champions League finals. In total, 4,658 passes were recorded and coded. Preliminary results indicate that passes from the offensive zone (third quarter into the opponent’s half) are more likely to lead to a goal or a shot, while passes from a greater distance are associated with a loss of possession. These findings suggest that timing, location on the field and passing distance are key factors in the success or failure of plays.